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Laura was gasping for air reclining there. I was too.
Last night we were comfortably on our couch and in conversation when we fell into instance after instance of each of us forgetting something. As we exchanged accidental memory lapses, we finally lost it in laughter.
You know those times when you're laughing so hard together with someone it's actually silent? You're just there, in the bliss of the 'laugh-shake', not even able to breathe. Finally, someone breaks the silence to fill their lungs, and then the peels of audible hilarity ensue. It is the kind of laughter that you feel in your abs the next day.
The whole ordeal actually started with me forgetting how old I am. Ironic?
This past Sunday we announced the commencement of our "Sell a Thing" campaign for the month of June. The hope is that each household --each one of us, in fact-- would sell something this month and donate the proceeds toward Ukraine relief.
We did something similar last year, except we sent the $4,500 we raised to support AIDS orphans in Africa through the Villages of Hope ministries.
Here's the thing: I can't remember what I sold last year.
Maybe this isn't as funny as the memory lapses last night, but it is interesting.
I remember the feeling of selling something last year. But after searching my mind for a few days, I still can't remember what I sold.
What feelings do I remember?
- wanting to keep whatever it was I was feeling led to sell
- clinging to the potential and usefulness of whatever the item was
- having a hard time imagining what it would be like to live without whatever it was
Ironic?
I still can't remember what it was. Obviously, I am living just fine without it. Obviously, I didn't actually need it. Obviously, I still have some attachment issues (to "things") to give attention to.
Do you know what else I remember?
The joy of giving the proceeds knowing they'd help people in Jesus' name who are facing needs and challenges far greater than any of my own.
As we considered this past Sunday, Jesus said:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth. ... But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. ... For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also."
from Matthew 6.19-21
God isn't against you having things (in fact, the same chapter in Matthew speaks of how God provides things for us). But, because God cares so deeply for your soul, your health, and your eternal life, He is against things having you.
So, let's let God lead us to something to sell this month. This will be a good spiritual practice. It will strengthen our discipline of simplicity. And, it will practically help people in need in Jesus' name.
Now, some of you with a sharp memory who have read our "I am the Light" missions booklet may need me to update something for you. As we approached this year (and outlined in the booklet) we planned to take on a "Sell a Thing" campaign again this year. However, we originally were planning to link it to rescuing refugees in South-East Asia. If you remember this - well done! We changed the plan for two reasons.
- The Missions partners in South-East Asia who are involved in rescuing refugees indicated some of this work was being slowed by pandemic interference, and further that they already had some funds saved up so the need was not as immediate and urgent.
- As the invasion into Ukraine began unfolding, opportunities for CPC to be directly involved in meeting immediate and urgent needs presented themselves. These are connected to our church (Yuliya MacKenzie's parents, Sasha & Tetiana needing to escape and settle safely in here in the Comox Valley) and also are directly on the ground in Ukraine helping 5,000 displaced people through our partnership with 100 Ukrainian evangelical churches and ERDO.
So, I hope you'll remember to "Sell a Thing."
Maybe you'll get to forget what it was one day too.
Pastor Mike
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