Laying up treasures

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 heat will be also. Matthew 6:19

This verse came to mind today as we were taking boxes down from the attic. Over the years we have accumulated a lot of stuff. We're doing our best to give away and throw away, but the number of boxes grows and grows. Even though I'm not very sentimental, there are some things I won't part with - my ancient and furless teddy bear, my daughter's first pair of shoes and favorite stuffed animal, my dad's piano music now used by three generations, my mom's cookbook and mixing bowls. These don't have any monetary value, but these are little treasures because of the memories they invoke.

I am surprised that I haven't dreaded packing. Perhaps it's the thought of having a new beginning. Although much of the sting is gone, there are still painful memories attached to this house. This was going to be our last home, we told ourselves. How wrong we were.

So I am looking forward to a fresh start. God has been so good to provide us a new home that seems perfect for us. I can't express my thanks to Him for His care. But at the same time there's a temptation to settle in and put my hope and security in something down here - whether it's the new house, our possessions, or the possibility of life taking an upward turn.

After learning some hard lessons the last few years, I don't want to forget where my security lies and Who really is my treasure. That's where I want my heart to be.