I come from a family of hoarders and am presently going through a decluttering phase. It is not easy. Often when I try to throw out something I think of the ‘what might happen and how could I use this?’ options and end is a state of paralysis…and the object is just moved somewhere else. But earlier this week I had a breakthrough. I read this aphorism: You never know what is enough unless you know what is more than enough. This comes at my dilemma from a completely different angle. It makes me think of what ‘more than enough’ is doing to my life. Basically too much clogs up my life and stops me from doing what really would give me life.
This is partly why Jesus warns us so vehemently about the dangers of riches. He is not being spoil sport: he is wanting to free us up and liberate us into a fuller life. The pursuit of and care for too many things stifles us. If we stop and start thinking what too much looks like, we actually are drawn into a mindset that lets us ask, ‘What do I realistically need for me and my loved ones to live a good life?’
We do want more…and we will always want more: we are made in the image and likeness of God. That is the world’s greatest drive for exuberance. We will not be happy if we allow our possessions to stifle that. The only thing that can let that exuberance have free range is love, both of God and of each other.
Loving God, let me see what is enough for me and let me find my true riches and security in loving as Jesus loved. I ask this in his name confident that you will hear me.
Sr Kym Harris osb
