Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Just in Case

Several years ago I had some dental work done that required a small surgical procedure.

Upon leaving the doctors office I was prescribed pain killers.

I never used them.

And... I never threw them away.

I reasoned that I should keep them.

Just in case.

The expiration on that bottle is 2003, which means it was prescribed sometime in 2002. I'm pretty sure that the potency of those pills is long gone.

But still...just in case.

I wish this was the only thing I hold onto... you know ... just in case.

Like the closet full of clothes I don't wear anymore.

Or the scraps of material from projects of old.

Or fear.

Or worry.

Or bitterness...

...just in case.

I've been thinking about freedom....about living life really free.

I've been reading some good books, by good authors who have experienced life.

Pleasure, and pain.

Women like Maya Angleou, Anne Graham Lotz, and the story of Mary and Martha.

And you know what?

They didn't rely on the things of this world to ease a heart that cries for the Eternal.

No...

I flushed those little white pills, and threw out the old orange bottle.

I don't want to be tied to anything that brings the empty promises of ...

Just in case.

11 comments:

Tracey said...

The 'just in case' sure can clutter up my house and my thoughts, but seems to stifle my prayers.

If I attempt to be prepared for everything, will I notice when God shows up?

Wonderful post, thank you!

Carpool Queen said...

I had this exact same conversation with a 10 year old in the car yesterday - how "stuff" can stifle and where to find joy.

Good stuff, friend.

Unknown said...

I love this reminder! I've started cleaning out attics, closets, & hopefully soon, my mind. It is so freeing to do the purge (& so difficult for a pack-rat like me!) Well said, my friend!

Anonymous said...

AMEN! I have been in the process of purging and enjoying the things God has given me. Instead of hoping/wishing/thinking of the things I would rather have!

Such The Spot said...

Every once in awhile you come across words that really speak to the heart of things. Something tells me that today, these words will be those words for many of us.

Amber said...

I love this post.

Thank you for writing it. Just what I needed to hear today.

Gretchen said...

Lurve these object lessons right.when.we.need.them.the.most.

How amazing Our Father is.

Thanks for sharing. Like Amber, I needed to hear this, too. Purging and being pruned is good. So good. But it does require pain. Which I generally run from. But I'm learning that I never shoulder the pain alone. And I"m always the better for those baby steps.

adrienne said...

awesome, awesome post. thanks for sharing. just in case...is he related to what if?

Rachel said...

Great post. We all have so much junk, that we're holding onto "just in case". So much clutter in my cabinets and in my mind! Would be awesome to be able to really let it all go. Its a day by day journey!
Aso, thank you so much for all your kind words for me the last few days! :)

stephanie j. said...

Nice post, Kellie! I just threw out a bunch of just in case makeup, hair and skincare products...not exactly deep theologically, but sure felt good!

Heather O'Donnell said...

be careful flushing medications. They can end up in the ground water. Better to take them to your doc or pharmacy and have them dispose of them for you.