Sunday Sabbath June 26 2016  IT IS OVER…(THE GARAGE SALE, THAT IS)!

But, actually it is not over!  Not by a long shot.  The more we sold the more I wanted to see gone.  I put a few things back in the house because I had a bit of remorse.  After the sale I took those things around to where I thought about using them and if they did not fit in I took them right back out to donate.  And now I want to go through everything I already went through to see what more I can dispose of.  So, two steps forward and one step back.  Pretty soon it will be three steps forward!  The garage sale may be over but St. Vincent’s here I come!

Realizing that “stuff” is just “stuff” is a big part of letting go.  My memories of the stuff will die when I die.  No one else needs my old stuff to remind them of me when they have no memory whatsoever about the “thing” that I cherished.  When I finally came to that realization it was easier for me to let go of some of my mother’s things (that only she knew why she kept them) as well as Dave’s inherited items.  It was only with Dave’s approval however that I disposed of anything belonging to his side of the family tree. 

Everything that is removed from the premises only makes me feel better.  We can actually see the back wall of the shop.  Do I have a lot yet to part with?  Indeed I do.  But at least we now have a plan, and it is in motion.  Who knows, we may yet downsize enough that we would be able to live in a more compact dwelling.  I would love to live here until the end of my life but we both know that the upkeep would probably kill us both sooner than later.  See how wise I am becoming sister? 

When I turned 60 years old my physician of many years explained to me that I was entering a period of life where there would be many losses.  And the way I figure it, leaving our family home of 30 years could impact us as a great loss if we allowed it do so.  However, I want to leave our much loved dwelling on my own terms, with joy in my heart, and with joyful anticipation as I enter the final phases of my life on earth.  Regardless of the trials I have been through, as I look back over my years of living, I view my life as an awesome “turn”.  As you read these words, realize that you too are living your turn, and someday it will be over.  That is the reason that it is so important to learn to live in the moment, enjoying each moment, hour and day as they come.  Live not with regrets, nor with anxious anticipation, but rather learn to live in this moment that exists now.  I think that is what eternity will be like; it will always exist as the “NOW”.

Allow your legacy to those you love be wonderful memories of how much you love them and how precious they are to you.  Let your legacy be remembered as your kindness and patience that lingers in their heart long after your turn on earth is over.  Let not your legacy be only that which you leave behind in the tangible. 

WE EACH HAVE BUT ONE TURN

By Kathleen Martens

June 26, 2016

We each have but one turn

To get it right in this journey called life.

Though we suffer pain and sorrow,

Choose joy instead of strife.

We walk this road but once in time,

Don’t squander or use is for naught.

Choose each day to bless another,

And share what you’ve been taught.

As years accrue, so will wisdom,

And that is a gift worth giving.

So leave behind what you’ve learned in life

For those who will still be living.

Trinkets and baubles will decay and rust.

Love remembered will not pass away.

So lovingly nurture future generations,

So that your love in their hearts will stay.

God I thank You for the Amazing Wonder of who You Are.

Thank You for my turn in allowing me to live in Your beautiful creation.

Thank You for all You have done so that I have the choice to spend all eternity in Your Presence.

Thank You for last night’s rain.

Thank You for cabbage.

GOOD NIGHT AND MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ON THIS LOVELY SABBATH DAY OF REST.