Life is too valuable to waste chasing possessions. This thought came to my mind, while I was bringing some things out of the house and the garage for the semi-annual neighborhood yard sale. I have accumulated a lot of things over the years and it is time to downsize and rid myself of the things that I said I was going to do at the time and get real…. I am never going to make that thing, refinish that table, or upholster that chair. Why did I get all this stuff anyhow? So, it is time to get rid of the stuff.
Sometimes it’s good to be reminded that we are already special, unique and significant. And that’s the beauty of life – it’s not so much what we accomplish and acquire, as what we make of it.
When we again hear the simple message that there is more joy in pursuing less than can be found in pursuing more, it rings true in our hearts, because deep down, we already know it to be true. We know that possessions don’t equal joy. And we know that our life is far too valuable to waste chasing them.
Life is short. We only get one shot at it. The time goes by quick. And once we use it up, we can’t get it back. So, make the most of it. Possessions steal our time and energy. They require unending maintenance to be cleaned, maintained, fixed, replaced, and removed. They steal our precious attention, time, and energy and we don’t even notice it — until it’s too late.
Our life is unique. Our looks, our personality, our talents, and the people who have influenced our lives have made us special. As a result, our life is not exactly like anyone else. And just because everyone may be chasing possessions, doesn’t mean we too have to.
Our life is designed to inspire. Let’s make footprints worth following. Nobody ever changed the world by following someone else. Instead, people who change the world live differently and inspire others to do the same. Possessions may briefly impress, but they never inspire.
Our life is important. Our hearts and souls make us valuable. Don’t sacrifice your important role in this world by settling for things and stuff that can be purchased with a card of plastic.
Our life deserves better. Joy, happiness, and fulfillment are found in the invisible things of life: love, hope, peace, and relationships. And they are not on sale at any local departmental store. We who live their lives in pursuit of possessions are never content. We always desire newer, faster, or bigger because material possessions can never satisfy our deepest heart desires.
So be reminded that your life is far too valuable to waste chasing after possessions. Find more joy today by choosing to pursue “better,” rather than “more.” And last but not the least, treasure your relationships, not your possessions.
To the rich man who ran up to Jesus wanting to know how to inherit eternal life, Jesus said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
May all your days be blessed with what you need, not necessarily what you want.
Fr. Bill+
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