Photo by Fuu J on Unsplash

Here are three recent experiences with a common theme.

1. My wife and I sold a car we didn’t need.
2. My Ottawa Senators fell to the bottom of the standings.
3. Accepted and grieved the loss of a loved one.

What’s the similarity?

Well, if we look closely, it’s the theme of poverty of spirit. It’s a Christian truth—that having less now means having more later. When we read poverty of spirit, think sadness, powerlessness, broken-spirited, acceptance of afflictions, having little, and tough challenges. It doesn’t necessarily mean actual poverty, but that can be a result of those characteristics. When we read rich in spirit, think abundance, plentiful, satisfied, worry-free, and full. Of course, when we read those descriptions, why would anyone strive for a “poor” way? But remember, having less now means having more later. It’s a promise in the Gospels, for Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

When we sold one of our cars, it reminded me of spiritual poverty. We made a great deal. Yes, the used car market is crazy. In some instances, used cars are selling more than new cars because of supply chain issues. In fact, we received the same amount that it costed five years ago. So how does this relate to spiritual poverty if we snagged a good deal? We don’t need everything—two cars, two properties, two this, and two that. Maybe one is enough.

When I watched my Ottawa Senators lose game after game, I unfortunately couldn’t control how they played. I wish the General Manager would trade for a top four defensemen and that their top centre would return to the lineup. I can wish and pray all I want, but most times, it doesn’t happen the way I want it to happen. This reminds me that I am not in control; I am powerless as a fan. Side note: I wore my Tkachuk jersey for the first-time last week hoping they would win. They surprisingly won. So, the next game I wore it again, thinking that of course, they would win. They lost.

When I accepted and grieved the loss of a loved one, it reminded me that we don’t take anything with us. We can cherish loving memories and loving relationships, but we will not be able to take anything when we pass away. It’s the stark reality of the world we live in. The world only offers us a grave.

I see that poverty of spirit is quite freeing. It recognizes that I have all that I need. In reality, I have more than I truly need too! Poverty of spirit encourages me to let go— I am not in control of everything—and that I can live in the present day as I am called to live.

Living poverty of spirit means I will get more later—the Kingdom of Heaven—where there is no need for commuting around a busy city, where the Ottawa Senators end up winning back-to-back Stanley Cups, and those that have passed away in this life are waiting for me.