Autumn is my favorite season. Cooler temperatures, marching band competitions, walks in the woods, and cinnamon ice cream usher in a different kind of refreshment after a steamy Southwest Ohio summer.
As I write, the Lord of Life building is bulging with donated items for our annual rummage sale. Furniture, glassware, books, records, toys, puzzles, sporting goods, tools, and holiday decorations fill countless spaces throughout the building as we prepare for the biggest youth ministry fundraiser of the year. Thank you for sorting through storage areas and letting go of stuff to make this a success.
It has been a gift to hear stories about items as I helped unload vehicles this week. “This belonged to my grandma.” “Would you believe we bought this on our honeymoon?” “My parents are downsizing, so we need to make room for all their things I’m inheriting.”
Family heirlooms, wedding gifts, children’s toys, and office supplies find their way to the rummage sale for various reasons. Some items are well-worn and have offered years of enjoyment, while others are still in their original packaging, never opened or put into service. Many were an easy choice to donate. Others came with reluctance and hedging.
Beyond the outgrown soccer cleats and dusty picture frames, there are situations which are difficult to release. Saying farewell to our childhood home can break our heart. Fractured relationships which never heal, but slowly drift further apart until all that is left is silence, leave us gasping for breath. The death of a life-long friend or family member brings a lingering grief we can’t shake. What do we do with these painful moments?
Songwriter Brian Spahr was with us a few weeks ago and sang about his own garage sale:
It’s hard to let things go
It’s hard to let things go
Watching it go feels like lonely relief
Some things need to end to make room for my peace
There’s freedom that comes when I loosen my hold on
All of that garbage that once felt like gold ©2025 Brian Spahr Music
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul encourages that community to make more space in their lives for the ways of God. He tells them to “[get] rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).
How beautiful it can be to let things go. In the coming weeks, “the trees are about to show us how beautiful it is to let go.” Marvel at the ways the leaves change colors and prepare to let go. Ponder how gently they are released. Wonder at the season of rest settling in for the host tree and all the good things of spring to come.
This is your invitation from Jesus to drop off your bitterness, rage, and anger. Hand over your regret, shame, and guilt to the One who promises to lighten your load. All the other clutter taking up real estate in your heart, soul, mind, and spirit, pass it off to our God of love. “Cast all your burdens on Jesus because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Trying to clean house,
Pastor Lowell