Stuff

As I sit here and write, Christmas is only 9 days away. It’s a busy time for most people – shopping, cooking, baking, decorating, and everything else that goes with this holiday season. I seem to keep busy with one thing or another all year long, but this Christmas is especially meaningful as all my children are heading to Florida for Christmas! Yes, I am excited!

The weekend after Thanksgiving, our tree went up. I couldn’t wait to start decorating and getting the house ready for my family. We have a limited number of Christmas decorations here as Charles only allowed me “8 boxes” and “8 boxes only” to bring for now. It was hard deciding what to bring as I have a LOT of Christmas decorations. A lifetime of my own collection as well as all of what my parent’s had. So, I randomly chose 8 boxes to go in the moving van.

 Unfortunately, I didn’t choose the box with the Christmas tree topper – a star. That was a huge oversight, and when I realized what I had done, I started whining about that star. Literally whining. Fortunately for me, Charles took it in stride and said he’d make sure I’d have it next year. He graciously ignored my whining.

Two days ago, our oldest daughter called me in a panic. Her husband’s uncle and aunt’s house was on fire, and my son-in-law was there. I was stunned. We hear about these tragedies, and they are just horrific. Fortunately, everyone in the house got out and are safe, but the house is a total loss.

My son-in-law and his family members were in shock – not just because of the fire, but how quickly it spread. They had to run out without shoes or coats, without keys or wallets – just themselves. Can you even imagine? Since my daughter called, my heart has been heavy for this family. They lost everything. Everything.

Clothing and shoes can be replaced. A couch and chair can be replaced. But what about family photos, or sentimental items passed down from generation to generation? Little mementos that were collected over the years were all gone in less than half an hour. Wow. And last week I was whining about a star.

The fire reminded me about what is important. I am thankful that my son-in-law and his family are safe and unharmed. If the fire had started overnight – I’m not certain that would have been the case. While I keep telling myself that possessions are just material things – deep down I know that there are certain items that are really meaningful to me, and I know I’d be sad if I didn’t have them. Things like my Momma’s Bible, my parent’s wedding rings, family photos…

I’d be heartbroken to lose those things.

And then a passage that I learned as a child came to mind, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Matthew 6:19-21

I’m reminded that even those most precious sentimental things I own have no eternal value. One day they’ll go to my children as I can’t take them with me. My true treasure is waiting for me in Heaven.

I want to encourage you to join me in changing our perspective about “stuff.” Ultimately, our relationship with Jesus is all that really matters. And when we focus on Him, He will show us what’s important. And He did precisely that for me two days ago regarding a Christmas tree star.

Merry Christmas, Friends. Hug your family tightly.