“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” –Isaiah 43:18-19
It’s time to throw-away the blue sweater (modeled here by mini-me, a.k.a. Miss Amelia).
How do I know the time has come? I just know. Sometimes a heart just knows.
It might be obvious to you and others that I probably should have let this one go a long time ago, but it’s been my friend for over twenty years . . . a lot of memories and a lot of back story to this particular sweater. It’s tough letting go of a friend like this.
Perhaps you understand. Maybe you have such a friend—a “holding on to” that is holding on as well, tenaciously gripping your hand and heart and unwilling to release you on your way. Could it be that years of comfortableness (of living with the old and with what’s easy) have robbed you of something new, something better?
Maybe, like me, you’re blinded to your need. To others, your need is obvious; your sweater is old, torn and tattered by years of overuse but rather than releasing it to the junk pile, you’d rather squeeze a few more wears out of it. You won’t force the issue, because forcing the issue means facing it as well.
If this is you, might I offer you a checklist of sorts, a few diagnostic prods when assessing your need for a new sweater? And lest you think I’m solely talking about the clothing that hangs in your closet, let me assure you that, greater still, I’m talking about the clothing that hangs in your heart, your mind and soul as well.
How do you know when it is time to throw out a sweater?
- When it has outlived its usefulness.
- When it reveals more than it conceals.
- When the color fades.
- When it prevents space in the closet from being available for something new.
- When it adds to your load rather than easing it.
- When it no longer warms your frame.
- And most importantly (at least for me in this season), it’s time to throw out a sweater when it becomes a stumbling block to others, especially to those who sit beneath my influence. If I can’t let go of an old sweater from time to time—if I cannot release that which is no longer beneficial to my well-being—then how can I expect them to release theirs? What is modeled is often what is lived. I must be willing to rid my closet of the non-essentials so that my children might experience the freedom of doing the same.
Indeed, sometimes a heart just knows when it’s time to let go. Today I bury this sweater. Tomorrow, possibly something greater. It’s all in keeping with God’s “new” for my life.
I challenge you to do the same. Take a look in your closet today; examine the frayed edges of your heart, soul, mind, and spirit. Do so with this checklist in mind. Maybe there’s a sweater or two that needs to join mine in burial. It’s not always easy saying good-bye to a well-loved, well-worn friend, but sometimes, it’s required if we want to make room for God’s new dispensation of grace.
May our Father grant you his discernment, his strength, and his peace in the “letting go.” I’ll meet you graveside, friends, and we will glory together in the release and in the freedom that is ours in Christ Jesus! As always . . .
Peace for the journey,
I hardly know where to start. I guess I’ll turn that over to the One who lives on the other side of the grave Himself!
As usual you’ve communicated a powerful truth here – and (as usual) the timing was perfect for my reading.
Thinking of you often during the day. ♥Grace and peace to you, Elaine.
As usual, you bless me with your friendship, Rebecca. Saying good-bye to a cherished “sweater” is a bit easier when you have a friend standing alongside in agreement. Blessed Monday walk.
okay my friend, I too have had some burials this spring… one of them being the ‘psychological sweater’ which carried too many extra pounds I was not proud of. The burning of the ‘sweater’ has been done, the icing on the cake is what it’s doing for me. And so with the spiritual baggage carried too long… it’s a time for shedding and moving ahead!! 🙂
Rejoicing with you over buried baggage!
Such a great reminder and encouragement. I pray that today I will keep my eyes open to those “blue sweaters” that have been hindering me and perhaps hindering those in my influence. Thanks for sharing this today!
The world is ever watching us, Sheri. I want to be faithful to live a faith/trust/hope/love that is rooted in God’s Word and truth. I never want to leave my kids guessing!
First of all, Amelia is the spittin’ image of you!
That sweater made me smile – mostly because I get the whole thing about hanging on to *things* because of what they represent. I’m a sentimental old fool, and also a pack rat. The two can create mountains of unnecessary STUFF.
And yes, it’s the same way in my life. I hold on to things that make me feel comfortable and secure – whether they’re good for me or not. After almost a whole year in my new mountain home, I find that I am still grieving over the things *down the hill*. Friends seem to have forgotten me, I miss my family dearly (though still not far away), I grouse over inconveniences. The truth of the matter is that I no longer feel as *in control* of my life as I used to. I’m trying to cling to a ragtag sweater…
I’m going to ponder your thoughts today…and praying that God will help me “let go” of MY past, and look forward to HIS future.
GOD BLESS!
LOL, in more ways than one, Sharon. She really does like look me in this picture, and she’s also quite the ham. I know God has something special for you in your new mountain home. Honestly, the view is probably better up there (at least it always has been for me). God loves his mountains and his mountain climbers. One step at a time, sister. The best is yet to be.
I can think of some thought patterns that hang around in my life. When I throw them out, they try to come crawling back. Hope your blue sweater stays put after you throw it out! 🙂
Already hauled to the curb, Cheryl. To retrieve it now would be to my peril!
Little me, indeed! Thankful that the Lord knows what I need and meets my needs according to the riches of His Son! What grace!
We’ll never reach the end of it – God’s riches! So often, I stop short of my inheritance. What grace indeed!
Ummmmmmm…needed this more than I really care to admit! I hang on to SO much…both in the real and the emotional realm! And I’m sure both kinds of baggage take up space that needs to be used for newer, more important things. But………….
Very inspiring.
Yes ma’am, I’ve been hanging onto some thoughts about others that need to go. Judgmental thoughts that have no place in my heart. So today, out they go. Thanks for the kick in the tush, my friend.
My dear friend, I have more to respond to this than time allows right now. Recently I purged a “blue sweater” (only called it “removing rubble”, but it was the same thing). What I’m finding the greatest challenge is letting go fully in my thoughts and heart. The physical act of placing it “curbside”, recognizing its need to go and removing it, although difficult, was one thing, but the memories of the “blue sweater” continue to surface and pull my thoughts back to a place it should not go. It’s a daily, moment by moment continual surrender and release. My tender heart wonders how my “blue sweater” is doing, or if it’s come unravelled. Although I could no longer “wear it”, it needed “mending” and I pray the Lord finds someone who can give it the care it needs to restore it and make it whole again.
I’d love to share the Scripture with you that called me to remove this garment from my closet. I’ll try and return later as I must leave now.
Precious friend, your post comes as continual confirmation. I have no doubt this “blue sweater” needed to go, but doing the right thing doesn’t mean it’s easy…just means it’s right.
Walking in obedience, and feeling the release of the weight of a garment that had to go,
Joy
PS. Amelia…oh my stars…she IS a mini-you!!!!!
Elaine,
All I can say is timely for the tears won’t allow my fingers to go beyond that. I have had to have a burying of a few things, but for me, I had to burn the “things” first (figuratively) before I could burying them, for fear I’d go dig them back up again when God has already said He and I are done with those areas in my life. Moving forward.
Ok, I guess through the tears I could share more. Love you and praying for you.
I promise you, Elaine, to seriously think on this and bury what the Lord tells me to bury. This is a great message. Btw, I mailed out your book to my sis, Judy, and I know she will be so encouraged!
Love and prayers,
Mary
I can relate. Familiar is most comfortable, but not necessarily best. Great post, thought provoking, good one to chew on.
Happy Mother’s Day dear friend.
Blessings!
I think I have a few sweaters that need to be finally thrown out too. 🙂 Your mini me does look so much like you I did a double take Elaine.
And by the way, I’m teaching Summer Camp to Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 so …no break except for a week. But that’s OK.
Blessings and love,
Debbie