The Challenges Caused By Moving Furniture
Walking In The Light Is About Changing The Path We Travel
by Eric Elkin
“And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. ”
We change the placement of the furniture in our house all the time. Every six months or so, we get tired of the way things look and make a change. The reason for the change has nothing to do with finding the ultimate placement. We get tired of how things look.
Change comes with certain challenges. The last time we moved the couch, I had nowhere to set my cup of coffee in the morning. I didn’t realize this until I sat down and didn’t know what to do with my cup of coffee. This reveals that function does not inform all the redesigns in our house.
The biggest challenge in moving furniture happens in the dark. One gets used to where to step in the darkness to avoid hitting a table or chair. The last move in the bedroom presented a tough challenge for me. After 36 years of marriage, my wife determined it was time to switch what side of the bed we slept on.
The change has not impacted my sleep. It has, though, altered my path to the coffee pot in the morning. Since I am the first one up, I walk out of the bedroom in total darkness. On my former side, it was a straight shot. Now, I need to move to the left to miss the bench at the end of the bed. Then move to the right to avoid a chair. I never remember where I left the footstool to the chair so that one remains a mystery hurdle.
“You can either choose to walk in light and love, or run in fear and darkness. But with the latter, you’re more likely to fall.”
Humans can see in the dark if they allow their eyes enough time to adjust. The problem is we never give ourselves enough time. My morning walk to the kitchen is typical of the human response to this challenge. I could move the furniture and create a clear path, but I’ve become comfortable with the routine.
We, as a nation, are walking in darkness. The placement of the social furniture in our lives became altered during COVID restrictions. We were forced to live differently. Now, when we can move freely, we are not sure how to walk. It is like we got used to a path and are accustomed to walking into furniture. We find it easier to complain than change.
Today the reading invites us to walk in the light. Walking in the light does not require you to move furniture, but you may need to change. Live with one commandment as a guide - love one another. This is not a speech activity. The author invites us to walk the walk, not talk the talk.
How does one move as though they love one another? Try practicing patience when faced with impatience. Listen instead of speaking. Do not answer a text message in the middle of a conversation. Hold the door open for someone in a hurry. Smile when you make eye contact with a neighbor. Walking in the light is simple and makes your day infinitely brighter.
Click to read 2 John 4-9
Reflection Questions:
How often do you change routines?
When you find yourselves caught in a challenging routine, what changes do you make, if any?
If you are reluctant to change, what holds you back?
What can you do today to walk in the light?
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