How can we joyfully retain the rich memories of life and let go of the stuff? I wonder …

Today a van from Big Brothers Big Sisters came by to pick up a bunch of items that our family has outgrown from my storage bin sorting (and clearing). Letting go of stuff is very alive for me, and while I promise to offer varied and meaningful topics to inspire you, there is nothing like real time sharing.  Gone are all of my son’s childhood sports equipment, skates, boots, balls, rackets, baseball bats, lacrosse sticks, helmets of every sort, boogie board, snowboard … he is almost seventeen and karate is his passion.  Gone are all of our family board games, too many to name, but RISK, Life, Clue, Jenga come to mind.  Gone are all of the “learning tools” like the maps from National Geographic, or the electronic brain game, or the world globe.  I imagine these items being used well in the hands of new hands and hearts.

Over the weekend dear friends, a young family with a four year old and two year old came to visit for a cookout. While here, the two youngsters played with our kids outgrown toys.  The music equipment, trucks, horse, dress-up clothes were a big hit for them.  They were invited to take what they wanted.  Mom was attracted to the small table with chairs and cool colorful wooden organizing unit.  It was such a joy to witness the delight through the eyes and play of another small child.  (Though, Amber’s doggie door was the hit activity of the day!) Mom informed me yesterday how perfect all of their new treasures are … and how much they appreciate the offerings.

Perhaps the question is not how we joyfully retain the memories, because we simply do. Perhaps the question is, how could we ever believe that stuff, any item, could accurately represent the precious heart-experiences of our life … I wonder.