Devotions for Debtors

[Jesus] ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. --Mark 6:8, 9

I wonder how much faster turtles could travel if they didn't have to carry their houses with them. Without that heavy shell, turtles could slither over the rocks as fast as their cousins, the lizards. If birds had to carry such a load, they'd never get off the ground!

Possessions and the debt I incurred for them are slowing me down. I have too many things that need taking care of: clothes to wash and fold and put away, plants to water and feed, knickknacks and furniture to dust and sometimes repair, so much food I don't know what's in the freezer. And worrying about paying for all those things is heavier than any turtle shell in the world.

I'm going to start traveling lighter. I can get along with a lot less than I have, and being debt-free will let me move through life without a burden.

For Further Reflection

Write down ten things you don't need or even want very much. Decide what you'll do with them: give them to charity, pass them on to a family member, or sell them at a garage sale. Every time you get rid of something, reward yourself by listening to music, calling a friend, or having a cup of hot chocolate.

Prayer

Dear Lord, turn me from turtle to bird. Help me to unload my burdens today. Amen

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