For the fourth time in just under three years, I’m getting ready to move from one home to another. Not everything will make it into boxes and onto the truck. Enough will remain for guests to stay here in the rectory in relative comfort – cook a decent meal, take a hot shower, and sleep in a comfortable bed.

What is necessary, beautiful, and life-enhancing will be boxed and delivered. What is no longer needed, just taking up space, will be donated, recycled, or thrown out. Sorting through it all isn’t quick or easy: it’s an exercise of intention and of spiritual discernment, letting go of material things burden rather than uplift. These accumulated things have taken up psychic, emotional, and spiritual space as well as shelf and closet room. It’s time to lighten the load.