When you’ve lived as long as I hav,e you soon realize that things don’t last forever.  In our many years of married life, we’ve gone through several couches, mattresses, appliances and countless sheets and towels that hung on until they were merely a mass of shreds.   Things wear out – just like we do – and most of the time they fall apart before us.

When I look at my furniture I see leather that has seen better days – fabric that has torn – faded colors.  I also see permanent dents where someone special sat – all the fun family gatherings that took place – the contentment provided after a long day of hard work.  I also realize it doesn’t have a life of its own, but the events and people that used it did.

The stuff in our lives can serve a purpose, but the minute we become consumed with those things we’ve lost sight of what’s really important.  We come into this world with nothing and we leave in the same way.  Our belongings remain and are distributed among our families, donated to someone or simply thrown away, but they are of no use to us.

The only real treasure we can count on is the one promised to us by the Son of God.  When He told His followers He was going to prepare a place for them, He was painting a picture of the true paradise that awaits all of us when we put our trust in Him instead of material things

Dear Lord, you have provided for all my worldly needs.  There were times when I wondered if we’d be able to pay the bills or have enough food to eat, but you always took care of us.   You not only have nourished us physically, but you have provided eternal life for us – a life free from worry and want.  Thank you for all that you do for me.  Your mercy endures forever.  Amen!