“Stop collecting treasures for your own benefit on earth, where moth and rust eat them and where thieves break in and steal them. Instead, collect treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moth and rust don’t eat them and where thieves don’t break in and steal them. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
– Matthew 6:19-21
It is always encouraging when I can get dad out and around the quiet cul-de-sac at the end of our street. This week, with fall temperatures around 70-degrees along with gorgeous sunshine and irresistible fresh air, has been perfect for such adventures.
This post, then, is very much a continuation of the living in the moment theme that has emerged as a, “Well, here we are so we might as well make the best of it” response to the current challenges.
Jesus was clear and consistent on this point, especially during his “Sermon on the Mount” collection of sayings: “Who among you by worrying can add a single moment to your life?” and, “Instead, desire first and foremost God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, stop worrying about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself” (Matthew 6:25-34).
“Hear these words,” he goes on to say at the end of the message, “and put them into practice. Then you will be wise…” (Matthew 7:24)
Hear, and Practice!
This moment is exactly where I am, where we are. The real question is not, “What do I wish we were doing now instead of this?” So much as it is, “How am I going to ‘Glorify God and enjoy God forever’ in this particular moment?“
Obviously Rebekah and I will still sit on the deck with our coffee making plans, and dreaming dreams, and talking about what adventures we have to look forward to. But today, in this moment, in this place, in the middle of these challenges, this is where we are.
Wake Forest is a lovely place, yes, but it is more beautiful when we open our eyes, and open our hearts to the extent that we receive it.
“Hear these words and put them into practice, then you will be wise.”
– DEREK
