Even though we are to keep having summer with its heat for the coming week, I start thinking about fall cleaning on the Labor Day weekend, catching up with little – and large – jobs I meant to do over the summer. It seems like we’re always trying to catch up. There are the curtains and windows that need to be washed and the ever perennial desk that needs to be organized.
The so-called cleaning experts tell you to take on a small task, something that can be completed in a day, to give you a boost for the larger ones. Sounds good but apart from the bathroom, cleaned regularly, what is a small task? Certainly not my desk!
Those experts tell you to first start discarding what you don’t need. There are lots of things we really don’t “need,” items we’ve accumulated over the years, to be sure, but making decisions about unloading stuff is more difficult than it first appears. Little items sometimes carry big memories, often memories that we do not want to lose.
Prayer for the Day
Why is it, O God, that our memories come through objects,
Things we can touch and feel, rather than through your Spirit?
Bound to this earth, it is difficult to let go of items that surround us,
For they help to bring even sacred remembrance to our lives.
Grant, O Most Holy One, that we learn to embrace others
Sharing what is important through love.
In the name of the One who teaches us to care,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The richness of life lies in memories we have forgotten.
- Cesare Pavese, Italian poet, essayist, critic (1908-1950)
Memories of our lies, our works, and our deeds will continue in others
- Rosa Parks, civil rights activist (1913-2005)
It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
For the righteous will never be moved, they will be remembered forever.
They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm and secure in the Lord.
Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid;
In the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
They have distributed freely; they have given to the poor;
Their righteousness ensures forever.
Psalm 112: 5-9