Deborah Meroff (Maine, USA)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. - Hebrews 12:1 (NRSVUE)
Packing for my return to the United States after living and working overseas for twenty-eight years felt impossible. Even after giving away or discarding most of my possessions, I had two very heavy suitcases. The precious space was filled with books, journals, and souvenirs that reminded me of my friends and travels. But at the airport my bags were overweight. I would have to pay an exorbitant fee to take them.
My heart sank. Paying wasn’t a possibility. So reluctantly I opened the suitcases and began extracting cherished items one by one, distributing them to friends who had come to see me off. Reaching my destination was more important than the things I had wanted to bring with me.
I think that was Paul’s message when he urged Jesus’ followers to lay aside every unnecessary weight. Surrendering our less important possessions or agendas for the sake of the ultimate goal can be painful. And there may be nothing intrinsically wrong with those things. But Paul knew from experience the importance of putting first things first. We too may face such decision points. But at the end of the road we will discover that our sacrifices cannot compare to the joy of meeting our Maker and hearing the words, “Well done.”
Today I will keep my eyes on the goal.
To discern what’s most important
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