How many of us resort to renting storage space to fill what doesn’t fit in a new space/home/apartment, or our current home has no more space. And so we rent space in one of those countless storage facilities we see in our cities and towns. When I moved last Summer I almost did just that: rent space in one of those very facilities.

This is much like the man in the parable in today’s gospel who decided to build larger barns to hold more of his harvest. This gave him a false sense of security that with all his acquired possessions, stored in a larger barn, he could relax and not worry about the future. He forgot about death, his death, at which moment all the stored possessions would be left to others or simply to rot.

Right after I finish this reflection (you are going to laugh) I’m going to the local correos, post office, and try to send my too large backpack to Santiago from Pamplona. And then, off to Decathlon, their version of REÍ, to find a much smaller pack that will hold only what I absolutely need.

I’m leaving behind the sleeping bag, extra clothes, toiletries I don’t need and that huge 50 L pack that weighs 6 pounds. If I can’t send the pack (too expensive) I am not sure what I will do since the day pack I’m currently using to hold the essentials is causing a huge strain on my neck. I’m sending my pack ahead for 7 or 8 euros through a transfer service but my essentials are too heavy; I need a small, sturdy pack WITH the waist belt so weight is on hips not neck. Also, ALL the transfer services end November 1st.

By the way, instead of renting space I gave away over half my books, decorations, kitchen stuff like pots, pans, gadgets, machines to froth the cream, half the dishes, glasses, and many clothes. I made many trips to the Goodwill and just gave the stuff away. Other people will hopefully enjoy some of these possessions.

And if I die TONIGHT, I will only leave behind a small backpack. Maybe someone could use this small pack.