You, O God, are my strength and my shield;
in you my heart trusts;
so I am helped, and my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to you.
Psalm 28:7
Two years ago, I told a friend I foresaw a shared living arrangement in my near future. Less than six months later, I received an email from an acquaintance asking if I knew of anyone who wanted to be her housemate! She described her home and what she was looking for in a housemate. Excited and surprised my intention fell into my lap so quickly, I contacted her immediately. Two days after meeting to talk and see her home, I signed an agreement to rent a bedroom and share the common areas of her home.
This decision set into motion the need to make arrangements to move from a one-bedroom apartment to a bedroom in a furnished home. I was faced with the need to reduce my furnishings and accessories. I had to make space to move into someone else’s home. And, my housemate-to-be had to make space in her home so I would have storage space in the shared common areas.
I donated the things I was letting go of to several non-profits, including Household Goods of Acton, whose mission it is to help those coming out of homelessness furnish their new homes with donated items. Knowing these furnishings, which had served me well, would make a difference in the lives of others shed a positive light on making space.
Strengthen our trust in you, O God. May we be open to new possibilities. May we trust that when we let go, we make space for new life.