Echoes From the Campfire

A man can do worse than be by himself.  He can read.  He can think.  He can sit on the porch and listen to the sounds of life out yonder.”
              –Elmer Kelton  (The Man Who Rode Midnight)

    “Finally bothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable–if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise–dwell on these things.”
              –Philippians 4:8 (HCSB)
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A year ago we started to plan to move from our home of twenty-two years in San Antonio to stay with our daughter in Cleveland, TX.  That meant we had to begin to downsize.  There was a garage sale, some things were given away, and there were some things meant for the dumpster.  We were beginning to build a house in Coldspring (ha, little did we know it would take a year).  We were moving from 1900 square feet to 1400 square feet and no garage.  That meant downsizing.
    Now we are in the process of unpacking boxes and trying to find places to put my treasures, even though there are those who call it “stuff.”  Before our move, Annie would periodically say, “clean out your closet and dresser drawers.”  In other words, “get rid of some stuff.”
    Earlier in the week I read a devotion concerning this idea.  From time to time we need to get in the closet and get rid of things.  Women I think more than men, and if that’s sexist, so be it, but some things just aren’t in season or style anymore.  And I hate to say it, but some things just don’t fit anymore and usually it isn’t because of losing weight.  Some things are no longer desired, our attitudes have changed and we don’t care for that outfit anymore.
    Paul writes to the Christians in Ephesians, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man…”. (4:22, KJV)  The words “put off” means to lay something down and push it far away beyond reach.  This is something that is deliberately done (Rick Renner).  As we take the time to declutter our closet or homes sometimes, “We must take the time and clean the ‘closet of our heart’ to get rid of hearts and attitudes that no longer fit who we are.” (Renner)
    Grace is given to us, but we must also remember that we are told to grow in grace.  As we grow in grace there are some things that just don’t fit anymore.  The old attitudes are out of date; they are no longer desired.  From time to time look at your life; take inventory and if need be–declutter.