Not too long ago, I had a realization: we don’t truly own anything. Everything we currently have is here for our enjoyment, to serve us, to bring us joy, or to help others. But we don’t actually own these things. We’re essentially borrowing them for however long we’re here, because when we pass, none of “our things” will go with us. Recognizing this has made me appreciate all that I “have” even more. These are gifts from God; yet, because they’re not really ours, we shouldn’t hold on too tightly. Let me explain.
A while back, I was on Facebook and saw a story that beautifully illustrated this. A man shared that he was at a gas station when he saw someone who was homeless and didn’t have shoes. His wife told him, “Take off your shoes and give them to that man.” And he did, without hesitation. Now, he could’ve easily thought, No, these are my favorite shoes—I paid a lot for them. But he didn’t, because he wasn’t attached.
It’s human nature to grow attached to our things, and it can be challenging to let go. But when the opportunity arises to share something that “belongs” to us, it’s a chance to pass on joy and appreciation to someone else. We can thank these things for the role they played in our lives and let them go. This doesn’t have to be a gift to a stranger—it could be to family or friends as well.
Personally, I’m learning that the more I give and let go of things, the more space I create—both in my home and in my mind. We don’t need nearly as much as we think we do. Why hold on when there are others who might need or benefit from what we no longer use? I have a few selected items that I hope can stay within my family, shared and appreciated across generations. But for everything else, I’m letting go of the idea that they belong to me.
“The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away.” Be grateful for everything God is lending you right now—everything.
The Wild Gems 