Seasonal Clearance

[Jesus said,] “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21 (NRSV) 

Our deacons are considering a tag sale. Having served churches where rummage sales took on lives of their own, I was skeptical at first. 

Then I looked at the need beneath the desire. You might think New Yorkers in tiny apartments are all efficiency, no excess. In reality, many are just well-rehearsed at cramming a lot into small spaces. My people are ready to let some of it go, in service to the church they love. 

Why be stuffed with stuff? 

One answer: the times teach us to surround ourselves with possessions as a protective layer. Things make us feel safe. But things are fragile. They can be taken. When things become security, we spend our lives acquiring them and gripping them tight. 

Gripping hard isn’t life-giving. It costs too much. 

If we hold a tag sale, we’ll embrace it as a spiritual practice. Looking honestly at what we carry and what it costs. Asking what we’re ready to release. Together, considering what we treasure and asking: would God make this eternal? Or is God blessing it for a season? 

Your home matters. We ask God’s blessing on it for the season you’re in. But we don’t bring our houses to heaven. 

Some relationships reach into eternity. Some need a season, a blessing, and an ending. That’s between you and God. 

What you accomplish in this season belongs to the present. Your legacy is what endures, prayerfully, with God’s blessing. 

Treasure the eternal first. Appreciate the seasonal. This is how you ensure that what you own never owns you. 

Open your hands. Let the seasonal fall when it’s time. Let the eternal hold its weight. 

Prayer
God, reveal what I can release. Teach me to trust you enough to let go. Amen.

About the Author
Kaji Douša is the Senior Pastor of The Park Avenue Christian Church, a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, in New York City.