“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~ Matthew 6:19-21
I think it is important to note that there are different ways in which we use the word, "hoarding." The first, and most obvious, has to do with the theme of "how much is enough?" It has to do with this passage: storing up more than you need and placing your trust in that which you've stored up rather than in God.
But there is another kind of hoarding. It is one that is a clinically accepted compulsive disorder. Some common traits of hoarders include living alone, being more likely to be obese, being a perfectionist, and having a family member who is also a hoarder.
Compulsive hoarding disorder is known to affect roughly 2-5% of the world's population.
That's a lot of people.
And the first thing that jumps out at me with those statistics is the likelihood that the person lives alone.
Loneliness is not a good environment for joy.
There are all kinds of ways we look for external means for joy or safety or contentment. We all do it to one extent or another.
But for those whose brain is wired differently than ours - those who can't seem to be able to stop this compulsive behavior - how can we provide an environment that offers companionship and compassion so that joy is not so illusive?
Generous and gracious God, open up the doors of joy and teach us to share it far and wide. Amen
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