When my husband and I sold our house four years ago and chose to rent, we sorted our possessions. We are minimalists, so the sifting process was…well, minimal. (We would have a much “different” experience if we were packing Tig’s race shop though)!
We moved to a nine-building complex and met a few neighbors. Like our possessions, Tig and I are social minimalists. We are friendly without engaging in most party invitations. Shortly after moving in, I met a retired neighbor who is also a published author. Despite my introverted nature, she and I connected.
Bettye Jean and I exchanged our books and short conversations until she moved to assisted living. At first, I visited her often in her new home and gradually our communication decreased. Bettye Jean and I are what our granddaughter calls “short-term friends.” Short-term friends are people she meets once at a park or a birthday party.
I have been surprised that renting has taught me about healthy detachment. Each month, I watch heavily loaded moving vehicles being laboriously unpacked. The movers look exhausted and many ask why they keep so much stuff.
We’ve had quiet and considerate neighbors. We’ve also had rude neighbors. I’ve learned that unlike Tig and I, many occupants at this complex aren’t long-term residents. This four-year observation has taught me to appreciate the easier-to-love people, and become less irritated with the “minimally polite” tenants.
I frequently reflect on my temporary deployment on earth and ponder heaven’s victory. Renting supports my longstanding value to focus on eternal rewards. I appreciate that with less filling, unburdened joy is more full filling.
Flowing with a free spirit toward Larger Oceans,
Christina
…and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure (Ecclesiastes 8:5).