It is challenging. Beyond materialism, it’s challenging. We’ve tried to live a patterned life of simplicity, and yet it’s still challenging. 

It’s hard to walk through the rooms and think, “What would we take with only two suitcases a piece?” It’s challenging to see it all as so replaceable, especially when we’ve saved for a long time or worked hard to get some of these items. 

It reminds me of the rich man. Jesus talks about him in Matthew 19:24 when He says, “Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Sacrifice is even harder when we believe we are our providers. When comfort isn’t guaranteed.

God is slowly teaching my heart to let go. Let go of the work of my hands. Let go of the presumptions of needs, that are really just wants. Let go of sentiments that don’t actually hold the meanings in themselves. He’s slowly training this mind of mine to see things as tools, even if they are hard to come by. Letting go is a long process. And it leaves the wall bare sometimes. It reminds me of His desire for our flexibility. His desire for our complete dependence. 

I’m learning, Lord. Slowly. 

Thanks for holding my hand.

One step at a time…