When I go shopping I take my time making a purchase. I go to the store several times and look carefully at what I want to buy. I tell myself I need it. I don’t just want to buy the item. I need to buy it.
A few days ago I took thirteen bags of clothes to the thrift store. The bags had been in my garage for weeks. I was tired of saying, “I will get rid of the bags tomorrow.”
Look at the photograph. Please. Do you see the wooden cabinet ? I bought the cabinet from a woman in San Jose, California who had advertised it on Craigslist. I thought I really needed the cabinet to display ornaments. I needed the cabinet. I didn’t notice until I got home that it smelled of cigarettes I placed the cabinet outside for days hoping the smell would go away. I didn’t notice the glass in the front panel was cracked. The glass eventually fell out, and the smell of cigarette smoke still lingers in the wood.
I took the cabinet to the thrift store. I didn’t really need it. I only wanted it.
After I eat my breakfast today, I am going to the basement in my house. I will put on my work pants and my work boots. I will be armed for battle. I will pray for strength to overcome the emotional attachment to objects.
Several friends have offered to help me sort through my basement. I respectfully declined. This is a battle that is being fought in my mind. I only need help from one, from He who gives me strength.
I don’t want to store my treasures in my basement.
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21
I want to store my treasures in heaven. I want to be generous with my time. If I spend all of my days collecting, dusting and repairing, I don’t have time to make soup for my sick friends, write or paint.
Where do you store your treasures?
Please tell me in the comments.
