HERE...For A SEASON...

We are only here for a season.

Is there something in your life that means a lot to you?

This morning as I rested..in the bathroom, multi-tasking as usual..
I rummaged through a basket of what-to-do-with-things.
I have recently cleaned out some drawers in attempt to do "spring cleaning."
Deciding to move on..to other projects awaiting, I raised my arm toward the sink and my Memphis Tennessee coffee cup I'd purchased at Starbucks at the airport..went crashing into the sink. It was full with coffee. It splashed all over the walls and floor. Did the cup break? My first thought was; "I'd be disappointed if it didn't..because it was suppose to."  Yes, it WAS broken.
I felt a wave of  sadness as it was my little remembrance of my trip to my daughters new house in Tennessee. The trip was taken in November of last year. My Memphis cup had been welcoming me every morning since with fresh coffee.

Now..just like my lost black bead pendant I'd worn for decades..it was gone. Uncle who has since passed gave me the Spanish onyx bead encircled in a tiny little 14kt gold band. He had purchased it in New York City where he lived. I had cherished it. I wore it so much it had become almost a part of me.
With this new loss came a message. Do NOT put too much importance on "things"..and do not covet the people in your life. They are all just temporary.

I am in the process of cleaning out and disposing of "stuff". I've saved "things" over the past 50 years that have become more of a burden than a pleasure.
As I move forward in the last half of my life's journey, I am realizing I am in this world but not of it. We are all just passing through..and are here on a mission. Here to fulfill our purpose. I think this "cleaning out" and "letting-go-of-period"  is part of life's cycle.

I don't think of it as giving up on me, or of not continuing to strive to be more healthy, and learn more.  I just have a new perspective..a new outlook on living.
The "things" held dear, and kept selfishly close, are just temporary for us to enjoy for a time. They are all God given. Like people, they can be taken away at any time. I think God wants me to put more importance on caring and loving people. My family first, and friends second. We only have each other for less time than we know. Life is but a vapor.

John 13: 34 Jesus said; "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
If everyone would function in love..true agape love, the world would indeed become a paradise of sort..and Gods glory would truly shine. Agape love is an all encompassing, non-judging love..the kind that God has for us. The kind of love He expects us to have for each other.

As I examine self I ask;  "Have I withheld caring, concern, and love from my family? My friends? Have I showered some, and neglected others, who may just need to hear a kind word?"  I ask God to lead me..to show me what needs my attention.
Have you tried to connect with family many times, and they have ignored or rejected your attempts? Pray for them. Know that they are a work in progress..unfinished. God was also rejected by the people He loves.

LEARNING...as I go.  J.C.M.