I am in a season of life when family events and activities abound, creating a busy life. I frequently feel overextended and overwhelmed as I try to juggle caretaking responsibilities, work responsibilities, and my responsibilities to other relationships, communities, and causes that I hold dear.

Over the years, my experiences as a mother have made me even more convinced that finding a sense of peace and holiness is closer within my reach when I keep things simple. I know that doing less and committing to less is better for myself and my family. Yet it often feels easier to let the activities pile on than engage in the difficult work (and sometimes challenging conversations) associated with cutting back, slowing down, and shedding that which no longer serves me or my family so that I can make room for the things that do.

While I typically associate the kingdom of heaven with embrace and abundance, today’s gospel reminds me that the path to heaven necessarily involves discarding things that no longer serve us or are just not right for us. Asserting these healthy boundaries can feel harsh and even heartless—letting these parts of our lives go can be uncomfortable and tough.

Let us pray today for the practical courage, clarity, and trust that we need to discern what is best for us to hold onto with healthy perseverance and what is best for us to throw away without fear, guilt, or shame.