Let them go

A lot has been happening in my life the past few days and weeks. Other than not being able to 'talk' much - maybe that was a blessing in more than one way - there have been a lot of emotions with at least some twinges of sadness.

In the past few weeks 5 people have moved from the farm to go live in other locations. As usual, or so it has often seemed, 'we' are to 'blame'. But, let them go.

Some time back we let the folks living here know that we were seriously planning on moving. When we leave this place everyone else also has to leave. That is what started the above 'moves' at least in part.

One person left - or at least we got the distinct impression - angry at us and thinking we had similar feelings (which we don't). (I do believe we are on better terms by now, though.)

Another person left and gave us a distinct impression that he deserved to have received more than he 'gave' (even to the point of attempting to 'take' some items to 'pay' for what he believed he 'deserved').

Another person left (she had to go because she was related to the one listed above) after having given, and given, and given again and having been a tremendous, gracious hostess to others.

The next two people to leave had been a blessing in many ways to us while here, but they did seem to be a little flustered. It was a difficult move since they had so much to 'take' with them this time. They filled a 28 ft truck as well as a car with their belongs. They were leaving primarily because of our decision. They have a heart to do God's will and we wish them God speed.

There will be more 'leavings' before this scenario is over. I'm not sure whether to 'look forward' to them or otherwise. Through much of this time we have also been working to organize and pack our belongings as well. Makes for an interesting situation, to say the least.

My mind this morning went to the rich young ruler who came to Jesus one day wanting to know what was needed for him to follow Jesus. This Bible story has intrigged me. Jesus loved this young man and desired him to respond to the Saviour's love. Yet, according to the world's standards, Jesus didn't do a very good job of presenting the possibilities very well for the young man turned away sorrowful when Jesus answered his question as to what was needed to follow Jesus.

On the other hand, might it be that we need to be careful not to 'sweet talk' others when they are making life changing decisions? Might there be a time to 'let them go'? Might there even be a place to have 'tears' in our eyes as we watch someone leave?

In my situation I have to admit that for at least two of the people who have left I have felt sorry for them. We had hoped to have been a help to every person who has come 'our way'.

Another lesson we have also been learning is that when a person does not forgive they become a debt collector. The problem gets bigger as each person they meet they attempt to collect debts from even though the one they have not forgiven may be long gone or far away.

It appears to us at the moment that a number of folks have attempted to collect debts from us even though we were not the ones originally at 'fault'. Let me assure you, it has been an expensive proposition - on our part anyway.

I do hope, though, that even as we let them go they will some how, some day, learn that the only way they will ever be able to satisfy their 'debt' - the ones they perceive owed to them - will be to 'let IT go'. They will never be able to collect enough to satisfy what they believe is owed them. But when they 'let IT go' - what they believe is owed to them - then God can not only pardon others but they can also be forgiven and cleansed and no longer need to be debt collectors of anything.

What about us? I am choosing to 'let it go' too. We do want to remember the good, pure, true, honest, and good reports but let the rest 'go' into God's care and keeping.

I guess this was reinforced yesterday when a 'former' resident 'let me have it' with a barrage of 'what was wrong' with present situations. I didn't (couldn't) say much so just listened. I was finally able to extracate myself from even listening because I had to take someone else somewhere. I feel sorry for that person but I believe God would have me 'let them go' just as Jesus 'let' the rich young ruler 'go'.

Today is another day. Besides letting people 'go', we are trying to get rid of 'things' as well.

We had probably 'more' than enough when we moved here about 12 years ago. My husband's mother added a lot to our 'stash' which we 'inherited' when she died. When the woman died who owned the farm a lot of her items were 'added' to the composite amount. Then, over the years a number of folks have 'left' things here from time to time. Now it is time for us to 'let them go' - or more actively 'get rid' of the stuff.

And time for us may be running out. My brother advised me that two times in his married life the Lord had given them advance notice that they were going to be moving and to get packed and ready. They pretty much ignored the counsel both times with near disastrous results. I would like to learn from other people's experiences so I have been trying to move in that direction of 'letting go' as well as 'packing' what we think we would like to keep.

It has helped as each of the people leaving have taken things with them. But there is still a lot of 'stuff'' left. Some stuff is old old. Some stuff just needs to be dumped. Other stuff needs to be recycled (maybe). Some stuff needs to find other 'homes' and maybe some stuff needs to be 'left' - time will tell.

Well, time is marching on and now I need to get busy with more than writing.

My voice seems a bit better (but that doesn't 'do' anything with 'stuff') so I'm signing off for now.

Until we meet again, may I remind you that Jesus not only 'let go' those who chose to go a different direction, but He was constantly drawing to Him anyone who was 'weary', and 'heavy laden'. And for anyone who responds to His drawing love, He loves to shower with His peace, joy and love. Sounds good to me. Bring that kind of 'rain' on, Jesus.

Bringer of Peace