Every Possession That Clings

 "Every possession produces an appetite that clings." 

    Our house is gorged with possessions. Some of the ownership of that fact is tied to our kids.  We still have boxes and totes of stuff that is theirs.  However, the bulk of the responsibility for that fact is on Mike and me. We are both at fault.  We both like thrift store hopping, and we are avid garage-salers in the "nice" months of the year.  We are also both loath to toss things, but for different reasons.  I'm sentimental, and Mike is concerned with value ("I might need that down the road," or "That might be worth something."

    The abundance of possessions, indeed, produces an appetite that clings.  In my case, it keeps me anchored to the past - both people and eras, especially when it comes to the emotional "feels." Perhaps this explains why I struggle so much with change and transitions and generally being positive about the future. With the current climate (and I'm not talking weather), who can blame me?

    The word, "clings," never has a positive connotation. A clingy child, friend, or spouse means that someone is hampering someone else's ability to move forward or get things done. A clingy dress or sweater is often uncomfortable, limiting movement or the ability to do simple things (like bend over). Even cling wrap is designed to provide a barrier by clinging to a bowl or container. In short, cling = not good.

    This idea explains why Jesus, John the Baptist, Paul, the disciples, etc, all chose a life of poverty, abandoning possession - anything that might cling (including people).  In fact, that was an ultimatum that Jesus insisted on in order for the disciples to become his follower (Luke 14: 33). It allowed them all to concentrate on what mattered most: Their relationship with God and subsequent ministry. By having no ties to past, they could concentrate on the present - on God's still, small voice; subsequent daily decisions; tasks; and moments/events that were placed in their path at that given time and moment.

    The quote underscores a simple idea, but one that has multiple layers of meaning and value.  For me, I'm never going to be able to fully lean into the present, and/or future/goals, if I am being pulled back by the past, or worse, if I am choosing to not let go/cling to the past - which includes both the good and the bad. The challenge to me today is to take a good, hard look at all that is presently clogging up the arteries of my life, both the possessions that are tactile/tangible and unseen/intangible but whose weight is none the lighter.