March 10, 2024 ~ Fourth Sunday in Lent
BUSY: Reconnecting with an Unhurried God
Rev. Beckie Sweet
Every time I read this scripture passage, I think about when I was leading retreats at Sky Lake, where we would sponsor seasonal retreats for families. While some of the participating families were acquainted with one another, most had never met before. So, early on in our time together, we would split up into small groups of about twelve folks and engage in “get-acquainted” games. For one of the games, we would distribute 3×5 cards and pencils to use to record one’s response to this scenario: If your house was on fire, and you already knew that all of your family members and pets were out safely, what three things would you want to save from the fire? The thought was that this exercise would help each person to identify what was really treasured in their lives, and then they would share that with others. The desired end result would be that each person would reflect on what they value in life, and by sharing that, we would learn a great deal about one another.
Think about that scenario for a moment. What three things would you save?
And if we can identify a few things of great value, then why do we have so much STUFF? A few years ago, my friends on Facebook were involved in a Lenten Challenge. The challenge was to clear some of the clutter out of our homes (and other storage areas), so that each week we could get rid of at least a large garbage bag full of stuff. The purpose of the Lenten Challenge was to regain the mental, emotional, and physical space for God to hold a more prominent place in our lives and in our homes. Psychologists continue to tell us that a cluttered home is an outward sign of a cluttered mind, and those living in clutter have less room for joy and happiness in their lives.
Just before the pandemic there was a show on Netflix by Marie Kondo. She was motivating people to declutter their home, their life, their spaces. She encouraged people to go through their belongings and with each item ask yourself, “Does this bring me joy?” “Does this spark joy in my life?” If it does, you keep it. If it doesn’t, you let it go. The idea is to surround yourself only with things that spark joy in your life. It’s a simpler way to live happier.
Why? Many of us live with the tyranny of measuring-up that keeps us weighed down. Lightening the load of expectations and “shoulds” is one way to lighten up as well as to literally lighten the clutter that crowds out our serenity. How do we create space to flourish in the ways God intends? How can we “minimize” our possessions so that they do not possess us?
In today’s scripture text, Jesus is not calling us to a life of poverty. Jesus is giving us practical tips on how to gather only the treasures that last: relationships with God and with other people, experiences that help us to learn about caring for that which is entrusted to us: the earth and its resources, those for whom we care. If all we have to show for a life’s labors are accumulated things, then what is the point? Are those things indicative of abundant living according to God’s plan? Relationships are more eternal than anything that will rust, rot, or get dusty. And the relationships which are forged in Christ will endure forever.
“Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” Jesus instructs. And he goes on, “Be generous. Give to the poor.” “The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.”
If we truly believe that God will provide for our needs, why are we sacrificing spending time with loved ones, friends, and those who will enrich our spirits? What will those sacrifices cost us?
An American business tycoon was standing at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a tiny boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The businessman complimented the man on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The man replied, “Only a little while.”
The businessman then asked why he didn’t stay out longer and catch more fish. The fisherman said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs. The businessman then asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?” The fisherman said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a siesta with my wife, and stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life, señor.”
The businessman scoffed, “I have an MBA from Harvard, and I could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat, you could buy several boats; eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a wholesaler, you would sell directly to the processor and eventually open your own cannery. You would control the product, processing, and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually to New York City where you would run your expanding enterprise.”
The fisherman asked, “But señor, how long will this all take?” To which the businessman replied, “Fifteen to twenty years.”
“But what then, señor?”
The businessman laughed and said, “That’s the best part! When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions.”
“Millions, señor?” Then what?”
The businessman responded, “Then you would retire, move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take a siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos.”
The fisherman, still smiling, said, “Isn’t that what I’m doing right now?”
Lighten up! Live life abundantly right now, for God’s kin-dom is near!