Treasures in Heaven

Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

This verse rings true in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. I have been reflecting on how often I think about things that I want. Furniture, decorations for my home, clothes, toys for Jack, etc etc. I find myself making Christmas lists in July, counting down the months til my birthday, focusing on when I might be able to splurge on something unnecessary....but it's just stuff. I've watched countless hours of news coverage outlining the path of destruction that followed the storm. Million dollar homes left in rubble, whole areas flooded with water, and trees crashing through the roofs of houses. I can only imagine that those people wished their homes had been empty so the loss would not be so great. The tragedy has hit close to home through my work. A co-worker of mine was home with her husband and three babies when the bayou behind her house overran its banks and rushed into their home. They lost everything....everything they own. The story I've heard is that in the moment of terror they scooped up their children and ran. So in a sense, they saved everything important. Isn't that the true test....the water is coming in, you can only grab one thing, what would it be? Your laptop, blackberry, or maybe that expensive vase you bought last summer??? No, it would be what truly matters. The irreplaceable, priceless treasures of your heart. I don't mean to make light of the loss one must feel being left with nothing but the clothes on his back, but only to emphasize the power of choice that was made. Think of all of those people that lost their lives in Galveston while ignoring the evacuation orders...they stayed to protect their houses. How many of us might have lingered a while longer as the waters rose; trying to spare a few possessions while actually endangering ourselves and our kids? I can only hope that in that time of desperation this verse would resonate in my mind, "treasures in Heaven". In sixth grade I performed in a play entitled, "You can't take it with you." How true. None of this will matter, only the experiences, the memories, the life that we have been given. Lord, I ask that you remind me of this often. Remind me that moth and rust will ultimately destroy everything that I can't take with me. Help my heart to treasure that which is indestructible by man, nature, or death...that which is eternal. Thank you for our safety. Thank you for your truth. Heal those who have lost, and restore those who are losing. Amen. This is how I felt.