Freedom From Thrift Store Idols

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them, because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. // Matthew 9:35-36

It is one of my most favorite things to do on a Saturday morning. Cup of coffee in hand, I make a beeline to my local thrift store to check out all the pretty treasures that beckon from the shelves. Last weekend, what caught my eye was a gorgeous vintage walnut rocking chair. 

Do I need another rocking chair? No.

Do I have space for another rocking chair? Nope.

Is said rocking chair in my budget? Not even close.

But did I take a few extra spins around the store just to sit in said chair (more than once) and contemplate how adorable it would look in my living room? Yes, oh yes.

There is something about the thrill of a deal and the discovery of “something-old-made-new-to-me” that makes me love thrifting. A single fella could make me swoon with seven simple words: “Can I take you thrifting this weekend?”

So when today’s First Reading reminds us of the idols we can so easily make for ourselves (see Hosea 8:4-7) I can’t help but ask:

What idols have I made for myself? 

Last week it was the rocking chair. A few days later it was that super cute home in the countryside that I could never afford. A few days after that, it was the pervasive thought that I would never measure up to those more financially successful than myself. Over time I’ve discovered certain idols that surface often in my heart, while others pop up out of the blue whenever I feel lonely, unloved, tired, or afraid. 

The Good Shepherd is the antidote to these idols, friend (see Matthew 9:35-36). He sees our lost little hearts and our longings for pretty walnut rocking chairs, financial assurance, and vocational certainty. He reminds us that He will provide for our every need, and (more than any thrift store idol), He will shepherd us into greater joy than we could ever dream possible. Let’s reflect today on the idols that take up space in our hearts, and ask for the grace to give Him that room instead.