Old Sweater...

So I moved this past summer after my wife and I got married.  It was interesting going through old clothing.  I'm a big fan of sweaters, especially older ones.  She'll tell you that this is true.  And I'm not talking about Cosby sweaters.  These are just solid one color sweaters. 

I have this one sweater that's a cream color.  It has an elastic waistband that has been worn out and several holes.  I just can't seem to part with it.  I wore it out one time and then had to promise my wife I never would do that again.  But I refuse to throw it out, because it has some value to me as a person.  Whenever I wear it I feel all the memories of college coming back.  In 1998, when I first bought it, it was brand new and perfect.  Now, here we are in 2010 almost 2011, and in my opinion it's still perfect. 

The Bible talks about seasons for things.  In fact, in Ecclesiastes 3:1 it says, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."  I think sometimes it's hard to realize that things change.  Whether it's our relationships, jobs, church, family, friends, etc.  Change is always difficult and hard to let go of.  Sometimes it's okay to hold onto the old, but oftentimes it's better to let go.  And just like my sweater, sometimes we have to make compromises with the past so that the future can be better. 

I don't wear my cream colored sweater out anymore, but that's because I have new sweaters I can wear.  But, I take comfort in knowing that if I want to remember the past, I can go find that warm and familiar sweater. 

What changes need to occur in your life so that you can move onto better things? 

"God, help us make the changes in our lives that are right.  Help us hold onto parts of the past that are worthy of keeping.  Reminded us that even though the seasons of life change, you are always there for us and with us.  Amen."