Every year, I initiate the process of calling myself decluttering. My closet has gone surprisingly well. I donated lots of clothes, many with tags still in place. When it comes to my office, things get a little tricky. I have a set of books that have traveled with me from my late teens until now. The paper color has changed slightly, but they’re in perfect condition [hardcovers and binding included]. I have read most of them more than once. I know for certain I will not read them now or in the future. As I’m sitting here typing, I realize they are an attachment to a period of my life…kinda similar to the way certain cd’s can be the soundtrack to an event or experience. Speaking of which, I have over 200 stored in my garage in the age old case logic holders. If you were born 2000 or later, you probably have no idea what I’m talking about [unless your parent was a 70’s baby and passed down all the things].

This weekend, I need to take all these books [Eric Jerome Dickey and Carl Weber collections included] to Half Price Books. One of the reasons I have hesitated is because I know it is unlikely I will get any money for these books. Subconsciously, I guess that conjures up a sense of devalue and reminds me I am aging. The folks at the store have no idea why I’m attached to these books. They care about whether or not the title or author is still popular. I guess it’s time to prune, to stop holding onto old things and make space for new things that are to come in and bear fruit my life. Unfortunately, this isn’t limited to books and clothes, it includes people, places, attitudes, ways of life…etc.

In Philippians 3, Paul is sharing with them all he is doing to become more like Christ. He is aware that because of his flesh, he still has more to do. Then, he tells us what in fact he does do…(13-14 KJV)

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”

Because they say you should read verses in multiple versions to grasp the meaning, the NIV reads like this…

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”

It reads on to say “All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things”. So let’s concede and be more like Paul. Have a great week, simply because God is good!