Just as I get used to one season, another comes knocking at the door. The picture is of one of my maples and the way it is changing. I’ll make other pictures as autumn and colors progress. This tree was a beautiful shape until the ice storm three, or was it four, years ago? Several inches of ice definitely changed the maple’s symmetry forever; yet, it is the same tree, offering shade and homes to birds and squirrels in the spring and summer and standing stalwartly through the cold of fall and winter.
People change too. I have only to look in the mirror and realize my reflection isn’t quite the same as it was a few years ago. It’s funny–things I once thought important are now pretty far down on my list of priorities. Some things, however, never change. One of those unchangeable facts of life is my reluctance to discard, give away, sell or toss clothes, books and children’s toys.
I really need to have a garage sale and let some other child enjoy the games, books, and toys that are Sara’s and Nathan’s. They have outgrown them and moved on to other interests. So, yesterday I decided to go through their toy closets and see what could be re-cycled to provide more space. The first thing I saw was the Fisher Price Play Family Farm, then the castle, school days desk, Snoopy, all by the same maker. My goodness! But the farm, castle, desk, Snoopy, all belonged to Matt. They have lasted through two generations. Hmm…would they last through until I have great-grandchildren? Other toys, more recent, fill additional storage spaces but there may be a chance that Sara or Nathan has developed an emotional attachment to a few and who knows what it might do to their psyches if their trusted grandmother got rid of some of those treasures? Horrors!
On to the books. Now, talk about tugging at heartstrings! I remember as if it were yesterday, holding my little ones on my lap (yes, some were Matt’s) and reading these books to them. The children had their favorites which I read over and over until they and I too knew them by heart. Sara could recite The Napping House as I turned the pages. No. I can’t banish any of the books. They may look as if they hold only stories but they hold a whole lot of warm memories too.
On to my own closet. I don’t have nearly as much trouble giving away clothes that I have outgrown or worn out. Except, of course, those that my mother made for me many years ago and then, there are other items that I might possibly fit into some day if I lose a few pounds or if something that was in style back in the ’60’s comes in vogue again. We all know that fashion, like other things, goes in cycles. Right?
OK, so now that I’ve taken care of all the things I can see or touch, I’ll move on to some internal inventories. Here I find many worn-out ideas, several fears and apprehensions, worries, and troubles that really need to be trashed. Question is, how do I do this? Since I’m not too good at throwing things away, I ask the Lord to get rid of them for me. He has given me a little gimmick that seems to work. When my mind strays into cluttered, old territory, I imagine a traffic sign and on that sign is the word Stop. So, I say the word aloud or in my mind. If I say it aloud, I try to make sure I’m not in a store or anywhere else with listeners near-by. Saying, Stop for no apparent reason sometimes generates a few curious glances from bystanders.
The seasons always change and with each passing year, I change right along with them, but some things stay the same, and are treasured. So, I’ll hang onto a few hardy toys, priceless books, and many memories. I have the feeling that I’ll be glad I did.
Thought: “Every day is a new beginning, every morn is the world made new.” (quote from an old poem)
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