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Lessons From My Hope Chest: Make Space For Life


I have to say, it was a surprise.  How in the world did so many things pack into that hope chest?  Of course, there was not room for one more item.  And I have treasured items I want to put in.

After a long and grueling emotional process, I threw away many things.  I made a copy of notes from my sisters and sent the originals to their owner.  I copied small chunky artwork.

The biggest accomplishment of all was buying three new totes for three young men and putting their school days, baby book and "treasures" for them to share with their families if they want to.  

The hope chest is empty.  I've decided it needs some restoration of its own.  Soon it will be ready to take on more of my life's treasured items.  It has space now for life.

Making space for life in my real life is a dangerous and daunting task.

My schedule, responsibilities and house is crammed full.  It needs thinned to make space for life.   It will take honest reflection and painful decisions.  

First Step: Put aside time and space now.  Time to think and reflect and be.  To search through the depths of my life to identify what needs pruned and what needs thrown away.

Second Step:  Spend one hour a day without technology and noise and expectation to pray and reflect.

Third Step:  Prune and throw away.

Fourth Step:  Set priorities.

Fifth Step:  Schedule space for life in my calendar as a marker and a reminder of what I need to grow.

I have one hope chest and one life.  I need space to enjoy them both.

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