Too Many Things Dilute the Message of The One Thing

Years ago, I heard a story about a person who lost a loved one. They were faced with the difficult task of rebuilding a life and sorting through their beloved's things. In the midst of this difficulty, they were faced with many hard decisions; what to keep and what to discard. After much anguish, they narrowed it down to just a few memory pieces with the key focus on “the one thing”. The one thing is something that would inspire a warm and loving memory. In this case, a beautiful piece of artwork was chosen and prominently displayed in the living room. By removing the clutter they were able to actually focus, enjoy, remember and be inspired by a life well lived.

I began to think about the things that I would identify in key relationships and events in my life.

When I was 9 years old my dad took me to my first of many Detroit Tigers games at the intersection of Michigan and Trumbull. The all star catcher, and member of the 68' World Series Championship team, Bill Freehan hit a foul ball right to my father, which he promptly caught and handed to me. It was a glorious day. When my dad passed away in 1996, I sent the ball go Mr. Freehan who was kind to sign and return it. This ball still sits in my home office and is one of the few “one thing” possessions that provides a good feeling and evokes good memories of my dad, my friend and mentor, and of all the wonderful times we had together.

I could have saved a lot of my fathers things, but I really don't need them. His impact on my life is in my heart and his legacy is who I am. I don't need a Walters Starkey museum or a box full of old dad things. I'm very satisfied with one or two mementos, simple objects that remind me of how truly blessed I am.

Increase the peace.