In the book Jen Hatmaker tells about her experiences while trying to remove the excess from her life. The first couple chapters made me laugh, and I enjoyed reading them. Then I got to chapter 3. As soon as I started reading it I sat the book down and let myself get busy to avoid reading any more for as long as I could. I didn't want to read it because I didn't want to take the chance of getting convicted about my love for my things.
I can find a lot of things to do when I want to avoid something, but last weekend as I was heading to the beach with my friends I knew I would want to lay and read which meant I had to take the book with the dreaded chapter waiting for me to pick up where I left off.
I read about how Jen sat in her pile of clothes thinking about how much they meant to her. I completely understand. I'm emotionally attached to my clothes. I'm pretty sure it's not healthy- haha. When I see them though I think about the fun of buying them, the travelling I've done in them, the evenings out with friends in them. I love the memories associated with them. I've thought many times of donating them but something held me back. Now I'm left contemplating-- do I love people as much as I love these things?
The third time He said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
John 21:17