Leave It...

“What did you do with all your books?” “I left everything in there. I didn’t want to bring anything from there, here.”

 

This was a question I asked a friend who was recently released from prison. Funny this piece of our conversation came to mind this morning.

You’re getting ready to move from one place to another yet you look at your current space you’ve been residing for so long. You’ve collected so much stuff over the years. Stuff that at one point you needed and held onto so desperately and dared anyone take it from you. Some that fed you. Some that depleted you. Some that distracted you. Some that strengthened you. Some things you look at and ask why or where did this come from. Letters, notes, pictures, little nick knacks are everywhere. All this stuff surrounding a current space you’re about to leave for good. What are you going to do with the collection? Do you take it with you or do you leave it all there?

Opening your bag, setting it on the bed you laid your head for many years, soaked in your dried up blood, sweat & tears you scan the items for what will go in the bag. After some time goes by, you’ve scanned your items carefully, considering each piece. You chose a few pictures, a few notes, a few accomplishments but you’re looking around your current space and there’s still so much stuff. Stuff you now realize you know longer have need for. What once fed you, in this very moment no longer appeals to you. When did your appetite change? You were just feeding off of these items yesterday right, or was it this morning? You can’t figure it out and it puzzles you for a moment. Taking a moment to stroll down memory lane of the times you experienced with your stuff. You see smiles, you see tears, you see confusion, you see quietness, you see sadness, and you even see yourself dreaming at times.

You’re heading to a place you’ve dreamed of for so long, now preparing to actually experience the reality of it. You asked for it and your request was granted. You’ve been given what seems like a second chance at life. Every decision you make carries weight. A weight you don’t realize. What do you take to this new place?

With the items you’ve already placed in your bag, you zip it up, fasten the straps and set it at your feet. You lay your head back on your bed and close your eyes, for how long, you’re not sure. But it’s long enough to hear, leave the rest here. What you needed while you were here, I provided for you your daily bread. You needed it and it fed your very soul. I used it to teach you a new skill. I used it to teach you to depend on me. Remember when you first came, you didn’t know how you would make it. I know that I allowed you to acquaint your palette to this new place but now, your time is up and your well here has dried up. When you get to this new place, there will be many things that will call for your attention but I want you to remember my voice that I tuned your ear to hear. Things will get tough, you will have to make tough decisions, but remember to listen for my voice. Everything you need for this new place, I’ve laid it out for you; it’s already prepared for your arrival. Follow my voice… that still quiet voice you hear within, follow that voice. I trust that you will do well.

You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

Thank you for reading. My prayer is that it touched you as it touched me! Please feel free to share this post or share an inspiring word! Remember you are the only you there is, so be good to YOU!