In medieval theology, it was held that love literally set the universe in motion. Love was seen as the principal force behind human life. This idea is reflected in the title of the popular song “Love Makes the World Go ‘Round” (Perry Como, 1958). When it comes to the giving of gifts, “passing it forward” is a practice based on this same idea. Although I enjoy receiving a gift as much as anyone, rather than have someone give me something in return for what I have given them, my preference by far is that they “pass it forward” by being generous to another instead. I don’t have everything, and not all I might want, but I do have most that I need. In fact, I really have far more than I need.

Digging into my box of UFOs and WIPs is an attempt to deal with my “stuff”. I love making quilts, but I question my need to keep all I make. I don’t need them all. OK, I see all you folks jumping up and down, hands in the air, calling out “Me! Me! Send them to me!” I’m laughing at you. Do you really need them too? Oh sure! Of course you do! Hahaha! There are also some who don’t ask, and they really do need.

Every so often I find myself beginning to feel oppressed by the accumulation of material things. Then I know it is time to go through my possessions and seriously question whether it is good for me to keep it or not, or if it might be better to give it away, pass it forward, especially to where a better home could be found for it, where there is much more of a need - a genuine need.

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

(1 Timothy 6:7-10; 17-19)

Who wants to pierce themselves with many griefs?

How much better it is to free oneself of the burden of too much stuff, be generous towards others, and lay up treasure of a very different kind. I’m off to clear out another closet. How about you?