Have you heard the great news? As part of our gorgeous new space, we have three new storage closets at Lord of Life! Yes, as the person who schedules events in rooms, I am very excited to have a beautiful new multi-purpose space for staff and leadership meetings, preschool chapel, community events, fellowship gatherings, and more. But as the plans for the building took shape over the past year or so, I was almost as excited to see the storage spaces. All those programs, events, and groups have stuff: books, flags, fabric, tools, paint, chairs, tables, … you get the idea. I’ve been daydreaming about how to best utilize the space. Soon, our quilters can reach their supplies without moving the property dollies and the preschool toys for indoor recess.
As I’ve made plans for our new storage closets, the staff has been working with the program leaders to inventory what they have. We’ve identified a bunch of stuff we don’t need anymore. We donated much of it to the rummage sale, turning an old refrigerator and some glassware into mission dollars to fund trips to serve with the Appalachia Service Project and at the ELCA National Youth Gathering. Some stuff had served its purpose and went into the trash or recycle bins.
It can feel good to get rid of clutter. I was talking with someone recently whose family has a tradition of going through their house from top to bottom every fall, cleaning and getting rid of stuff they no longer need. Then they are ready to decorate and celebrate the holiday, unencumbered with clutter.
Sometimes, the clutter weighing us down isn’t in our homes but in our hearts. That doesn’t make it less real or any less burdensome. Guilt, anxiety, and fear can wear us down and wear us out. Sometimes we can get rid of what’s cluttering our hearts with some exercise, some therapy, some budget plans, or a heart-to-heart conversation. Some clutter feels like it will always be with us; like poverty and war will never end.
In a couple of weeks, we’ll embark on the church season of Advent, where we prepare for the birth of Jesus. Our theme is “How does a weary world rejoice?” Just as in our time, the time before Jesus' birth was filled with strife. Into that strife, Jesus arrives, bringing hope and joy.
Join with us this Advent season as we acknowledge our weariness, provide respite and connection, and anticipate the birth of Emmanuel - God with us. Watch for details on the many ways you can celebrate this season of preparation with your whole family, including devotional materials, mid-week dinner church, an instant pageant, and more.
Between now and then, we will enjoy the season of gratitude and generosity - while continuing to de-clutter.
Yours in Christ,
Cara Hasselbeck