Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:129-130
“When we moved into our house last year, the previous owners left us a lot of stuff – a treadmill, a big screen TV, and expensive window treatments in our dining room. As we have spent the last year making the house our home, Tricia and I have tried to work with these curtains, though they are not our style. Whenever we have visitors over, inevitably the fact that the folks left these treatments or how much the curtains would’ve cost comes up in conversation. Despite this asset, the only space in the house that remains practically unfinished is the dining room.
This weekend, both because I had enough and possibly because I wanted a little “dad time”, I took them down. Almost immediately, the possibilities for the room were endless. It was as if our perceived value for the curtains hadn’t allow us to see what the room could be. It made me think, what other curtains in my life might be locking my hope into darkness? What, in my life or leadership, might have been costly to acquire? Are there things the world might perceive as “expensive”, but keep me from being able to see what God wants for my tomorrow? Prayers for you as you let some more of God’s light in on your tomorrow. If you happen to be in the market for some lovely window treatments…I have a deal for you.”
Daniel J. Cellucci in his “Giving the Window Treatment” in his weekly DIAL blog: Discerning Insights About Leadership. Special thanks to John Stanley for sharing this piece with me.
Today’s Scripture reminds us that the testimonies of the Lord are wonderful, worth keeping, and they give light and wisdom to our souls. I reflected on this text after reading Cellucci’s post. Too often things that the world tells us are valuable, actually hold us captive as in darkness. They also limit our generosity!
Once you have expensive window treatments, you feel like you need furniture and accessories to go with them. Next thing you know, you’ve spent a lot of money and in return you got a pile of stuff you are not sure if you want and buyer’s remorse. Don’t get me wrong, everyone needs window treatments of some sort.
With Cellucci, I pray you are able to get rid of any expensive window treatments in your life that may be hindering you on your journey, and in so doing, that God’s light shines in your life and gives you a testimony to share with others. Stories that illustrate Scriptural truths help even the simple grasp life.