Plenty

Mt. Fuji in the distance

We have plenty. How to get rid of the excess? I think this is a task of modern life. Back in the eighties there was a show, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, that gave the public glimpses into the ways of those with much, the lavish parties, the finest things. I was a teenager then and could not imagine having so much stuff, so much money. The Bible says it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle, than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Excess is not new, and it takes up a lot of time and energy.

The holidays have passed and we have many new gifts of toys and clothes. There are still decorations awaiting their boxes at my house. Putting it away and finding a place for it sips at my time. Stuff management on top of daily life reminds me that there is a fine line between plenty and excess. Letting go of the excess, however wonderful it is, frees up time for creativity, for rest, for connection. If you are hungry, food occupies your thoughts. Whatever beseeches you, it takes over.

If creativity comes from plenty, then I want to be full of plenty. A saw might be useful to cut away some of the excess around here, or a tighter ship with a small door to prevent the unnecessary from entering, or, perhaps, just a willingness to say "no" to the excess, the extra helping, the "try this."

Mt. Fuji in the distance

We have plenty. How to get rid of the excess? I think this is a task of modern life. Back in the eighties there was a show, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, that gave the public glimpses into the ways of those with much, the lavish parties, the finest things. I was a teenager then and could not imagine having so much stuff, so much money. The Bible says it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle, than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Excess is not new, and it takes up a lot of time and energy.

The holidays have passed and we have many new gifts of toys and clothes. There are still decorations awaiting their boxes at my house. Putting it away and finding a place for it sips at my time. Stuff management on top of daily life reminds me that there is a fine line between plenty and excess. Letting go of the excess, however wonderful it is, frees up time for creativity, for rest, for connection. If you are hungry, food occupies your thoughts. Whatever beseeches you, it takes over.

If creativity comes from plenty, then I want to be full of plenty. A saw might be useful to cut away some of the excess around here, or a tighter ship with a small door to prevent the unnecessary from entering, or, perhaps, just a willingness to say "no" to the excess, the extra helping, the "try this."