LIFE STORAGE

LIFE STORAGE

PRACTICE: What is stored in your real or imaginary storage unit?

External storage space businesses are tying up prime real estate all over my hometown. While traveling by car to other cities this summer, the phenomena that I thought unique to my geography, is happening in other markets as well. The name of the storage business that captured my attention is “Life Storage.” It is a great marketing name. I am totally bothered by it – Life Storage. Here’s why.

I know I am being literal, but a life in storage is no life at all. Think about it! Things are generally stored away from the primary home when they are used infrequently, or not at all, or space is too limited for sentimental artifacts. Of course, there are exceptions. Bottom line, things in storage generally bring little value to the current life but the thought of permanent separation is not an option. An entire industry is built on this premise – we will pay someone to protect and preserve stuff that we purchased or were given because we can’t live without it.

I WOULD like to judge users of these establishments. I cannot. I would like to say I don’t store stuff that no longer serves a purpose daily. I cannot. The only thing I can say is that I don’t pay someone to store “the stuff” for me. I find a crack or crevice to store it in my house…I am working on this problem.

There is a larger learning implication to be gleamed. People have a lot of reasons for why they decide to “rent a unit and put their life in storage.”

Storage is a place of safety. Things in storage can’t readily be used. It is often behind two locks to deter thieves. The environment is climate controlled so it should not rust or mildew. It is dry and preserved, so one doesn’t need to be concerned about mold.

DRY, PRESERVED, SAFE – What purpose does life serve if it is stored behind two locks? A stored life is possibly spared hurt, disappointment, and disillusionments – all great places to build character and perseverance. In the dry environment, the life is not likely to be “corrupted” by fun and frivolity – how boring? The stored life is not readily available for the surprise of an unexpected hug or smile from a friend or stranger. Perhaps the biggest detriment of a life in storage, is a life of limitations. Living is limited to what one knows, sees and feels…that’s all.

Matthew 6:28

PONDER THIS THOUGHT --- A stored life is death without dying.