ORIGINAL ART BY PAUL BOECHER – Wood sculpture titled “A Little Off the Top.”

There’s a lot to be said about the baggage we carry.  We sometimes wonder why we accumulate so many things during the years.  As I get closer in the journey to the next chapter, we’re now in packing up and in the final decluttering phase.

We have downsized, donated or thrown away years of memories – old photographs and greeting cards – unnecessary clothing – over used furniture and tons of costumes, props and books.  Within our treasures lies a collection of beautiful art work created by my husband.  It’s taken a lifetime to produce them – not only the time making them, but the years thinking about these places or things and culminating them into the finished product

My dilemma is – how do you pack these things?  I mean there’s an over 100 pound carving of a ram’s head, sculpted out of granite when the artist was only 17 years old.  There are numerous pieces of similar size and weight.  Besides the size, there’s the volume.  If we were to sell each piece, we could live comfortably for another 20 years.  Still I would hate to part with any of them.  Each painting, sketch, sculpture represents a part of the man I love and have spent a lifetime with.

With precious things like China, antiques and other items, you wrap them tenderly in heavy paper or bubble wrap and tuck them in a box, being sure not to damage any of them, but we don’t have boxes large enough for some of these pieces.

This whole thing got me to thinking of how God protects each one of us every day.  We have His armor and breastplate to fend off the insults, pain and hurt of our enemies.  We have armies of His holy angels watching over us 24/7.  We have the cast iron truth of His holy Word, the Bible and the promises He has already fulfilled and intends to do for us in the future.  The things of the world will all pass away, but the love of God will last forever.

I’m certain we’ll find a way to get things moved, but I’m even more confident that God has a wonderful plan for the rest of our lives and eternity with Him.