Everything attempted is always at the expense of something else. All effort requires sacrifice of something. If you would lose weight, you must give up eating a whole banana cream pie. Life is about trading one thing for another. It is in the comparison that we have trouble. What one thing is worth compared to the other. Is the newest phone worth giving up part of my vast wealth? Is wearing shorts to church worth the strange looks I would receive?
On the other hand, there are things we would just like to eliminate. These things have no worth at all but we hold on to them because it would be painful to let go. The last time I went to the local dump, I was amazed by the sheer magnitude of things be thrown away. Some of it was simply disgusting due to its odoriferous aroma. I saw furniture, bricks, toys, and books. All were unceremoniously cast off. If I had the gumption I could fill a large truck with my own cast offs. So why do we hold on to things? Things that have no worth. Things that just take up space.
I think it must do with disgust. We must reach a place where the worth of simplicity outweighs the pile of junk. If we are willing to put up with the stench around us, there is no motivation to do something. Before a man can do things, there must be things he will not do. (MENCIUS) The problem arises when we think time will make a difference. I don’t need to do it right now, I well might need this extra computer cable someday.
Our society is like that. Always expecting things to change in time. The next election will take care of Washington. The next technological breakthrough will solve all my communication issues. The next scientific breakthrough will solve all environmental issues. The next pay raise will put us over the edge to financial security. If I just wait long enough it will all work out.
But it is just a big lie. Time does not change anything. Time often makes things worse. We must rid ourselves of the rubbish in our lives and go on to the great simplicity.
Let go and let God.
Comments?
I go through cycles of purging too. I think its a great way to shake off the weights of the past in many ways. But there have indeed been times when this activity has brought remorse from over zealous detachment. But it is in these times that we should recognize how even these bruises are just indicators of good growth.
Heya! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the outstanding work!