My wife and I recently made a big decision that is going to affect every aspect of lives, and require us to move across the country. (No, it is not going to negatively impact PositiveChioces.com.) After living in the same house for 12 years, we now must determine what is important enough to take with us versus what we can dump. Not easy for two sentimental packrats!

While sorting through some file drawers this morning, I found the following story on a scrap of paper that has given me renewed courage.

During the last century, a tourist from America paid a visit to a renowned Polish rabbi. He was shocked to see that the rabbi’s home was only a simple room filled with books, plus a table and a bench.

“Rabbi,” asked the tourist, “Where is your furniture?”

“Where is yours?” replied the rabbi.

“Mine?” asked the surprised tourist. “But I am only a visitor here. I am only passing through.”

“So am I,” said the wise rabbi.

Visitor, traveler, pilgrim–whatever term we use–each of us is only passing through the world. The way we go through life depends a lot on what we decide is essential in the attachments we form, the ideas that shape our lives, and the things we own and collect.

In the last few days, I have been thinking a lot about Christ’s words to his followers: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6-19-20 NLT)

How about you?

Does the “stuff” of your life stress you out or burden you down, or does it empower you to move lightly and quickly through life?