My Purse (10/12/2024)

Yesterday I realized that my purse was too heavy. Truth be told, I’ve been thinking that might be the case for some time now. So, I went looking for a cross-body purse rather than an over the shoulder model, thinking it would distribute the weight better making it seem less heavy. It does. But then I had an “Aha!” moment. What is all that weight, and why am I lugging it around everywhere I go?

Women, if you want an exercise in humility, clean out your purse. You will find yourself shaking your head, laughing at your foolishness, and reconsidering your habits. I know I did.

In my purse, I have the necessary keys and fobs for home and vehicles. Oh, and I carry the parish center keys just in case I need them. I have nail clippers, a fingernail file, enough pens for the neighborhood, and a pad in case I get an idea or need to write something down. I have my billfold with cash and coins, my checkbook, and my credit card holder. I carry perfume for those moments when I need a “refresh,” my asthma inhaler for those moments when I can’t catch my breath, and a couple eyeglasses cloths for those moments when I realize I can’t see a thing. I have coupons and business cards from the last millennium.

As I sat with all this, I found myself asking several questions. Why do you need all this with you? And then I felt the thump. You know the one that takes the earthly, physical lesson and applies it to your eternal spiritual life. And I started to consider all the things I am carrying with me that I really need to put down: pain from past experiences; hurt from moments with loved ones; desires for things for which I can live without; fears in general and worries galore. So, the LORD and I had a “soul cleaning” session.

I bet if you sit and think about it, there are things you, too, are carrying that are weighing you down on your journey. As I sat with the LORD with a clean, lighter purse, begging for a less cluttered mind and heart, I recalled Jesus’ words: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden light” (Mt 11:28-30).

I pray that we might all consider “lessening” our loads and relying more on Christ, our forever companion on the journey.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.