Retirement Rocks: A 14-Day Reading Plan for All That Free TimeSample

Mike stared at the contents of his garage and groaned. When - and why - had he collected so much stuff? Sure, most of it was his wife’s, but some of these things—like that old lawnmower in the corner, the one that needed a new carburetor—were nothing but junk. And if they were going to move to this new condo, he needed to figure out what to do with it and the other ten thousand pointless items he’d been collecting over the years.

Maybe you can relate to Mike’s problem. Over the years you’ve taken in more and more stuff, jamming a lot of it into the garage. Or a storage shed. Or the closets. Now you’re faced with a mountain of items, some of which were never unboxed, and others that were only used once or twice and then set aside.

There is no season like the retirement season to tackle all that, friend, especially if you’re downsizing to a smaller space. You’ve got to look at it realistically, without emotion attached, and ask the question: “When will I use this . . . really?” If you’re not sure of the answer, it’s probably time to let it go.

Sure, it will hurt for a bit, but think about it this way: Jesus left the splendor of heaven to come to earth. There’s not one verse listed in the Bible where you find Him complaining about all He left behind. He accepted His new venture and took it on willingly.

He’s keen that you do the same. So, instead of being upset about all the stuff you need to find a place for, look at this season as the adventure it truly is! Releasing the old means embracing the new. And if you’re moving forward with that same sense of curiosity and adventure in your heart, God will surprise you at every turn with the new!

Oh, and while you’re at it, you might as well ditch that old lawnmower too. You know in your heart of hearts you’re never going to use it at the new place.

I have too much stuff, Lord! Show me how and when to let it go. Amen.