A few weeks back, we spent the day at the zoo. It was a perfect day. It was extremely hot, but there was so much wind you didn’t notice the heat. We had the most wonderful time together, and our 2 year old finally said goodbye to all the animals. Once our little home was in view, Chad and I both realized something was wrong. There was smoke everywhere. Immediately we called 911 to locate where the fire was. We were told to be on high alert since it was heading our way.
As I ran in to grab our most “treasured” items, I had to stop and think for the first time “What is most important to me?” I grabbed our Bibles, journals, tub of love letters, and pictures the kids had drawn over the years. It was then I realized I didn’t need anything else. Other things could be replaced.
I teared up as I thought about the only home we’ve ever known burning to the ground. This is where all of our memories have been made. It is such a special place to us, but then my thoughts turned to the fact that there are people who are walking through things so much worse than losing temporal possessions.
If we lose everything we have and still have each other, we are so blessed. “Things” come and go, but there are only two things last forever — people and God’s Word.
Later that evening, as we gathered around the living room and thanked the Lord for letting the fire be contained, I asked the Lord to give me a new perspective on what truly matters in life.
“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:20-21).
At the end of this chapter, it goes on to say what we as Christians should be doing: “But seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33, emphasis added).
Love,
Erin
