Matthew 6:19-20
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
Our granddaughter, Virginia Rose, is beginning to notice commercials on television. Only last month, she would ruefully ask me to return to a program she was watching when one of these tempting, alluring advertisements interrupted her show. Not now! Suddenly, in a spurt of cognitive growth, she sees them just as the purveyors intend: An enticement to own and play with the latest and greatest in the world of toys.
How I wish she could stay forever in the arms of innocence . . .
"Gammie, I want dat one," she says when an enthralling ad for "Crazy Sand" pops up. Actually, this one is akin to play-do, and has all the earmarks of a plausible purchase which would provide ample hours of kinesthetic entertainment for both of us. But, I am called to remind her.
"Virginia, your baby sister is due any day now. Gammie promises that when she is born, Papa and I will take you to the toy store to choose a gift for you and for her. So, in the meantime, think carefully about what you really want."
Think carefully about what you really want . . .
~
What do we really want from this life God has granted us? Are we living as Christ's example in the world, or are we grasping for every new gadget which glides into our field of vision? Are we content with what we have? Can we give thanks when all is collapsing in around us? Are we remembering daily the ultimate sacrifice our Lord made for us on the cross?
In the wake of past Sunday's Easter celebration, I invite you to contemplate where your treasure lies.
Prayer: Dear Father, let us ever recall where our true treasure lies. Help us to daily acknowledge the sacrifice Your precious Son, Jesus, made for us, and celebrate Easter each and every day of our lives. Amen.
What I really want - that has sent me thinking Martha... I believe sometimes in life you feel you know what you want only to get it and realise this isn't what you wanted all this while.... Time to do some self introspection for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this lovely reminder <3
You are so right, Privy - sometimes we think we know what we want and it turns out not to be the right thing at all. I'm glad this post got you thinking. Believe me, I was thinking really hard when I wrote it about my own wants and were they worthy.
DeleteLove and blessings!
First of all, congratulations to you all on the imminent arrival of your second grandchild, Martha.
ReplyDeleteVirginia Rose is blessed in such thoughtful grandparents.
What I want is to be a blessing to others - but not a doormat. Don't know whether that makes sense to you - but it does to me! ;)
Thanks, Corinne! We are really excited around here as Sarah's due date is the 28th. Less than a week away!
DeleteAnd, yes, being a blessing to others, but not their doormat, makes perfect sense to me. Personally, I spent years thinking I should please others at the expense of my own well-being. No more! If we're not true to ourselves, we can't have a meaningful, fulfilling relationship with someone else.
Love and blessings!
Great post, Martha! The question you ask is an important one: "what do you really want"? Where do my treasures lie--here on earth or in heaven?
ReplyDeleteIt's not just toddlers/preschoolers who struggle with delaying gratification; adults struggle with delaying gratification too. Not being able to delay gratification leads to a world of hurt.
This really is a question we should ask ourselves every day.
Congratulations on the imminent arrival of your second grandchild! Grandchildren must be a big blessing!
Love and blessings!
Kim, you are so right. Adults, too, can struggle with wanting things and wanting them now whether or not they can even afford it. That certainly can lead to a world of hurt.
DeleteAnd, it is good, I think, to check our attitudes daily to make sure where we are really storing our treasure.
Yes! We are excited about the new arrival. Any day now!
Love and blessings!
Very valid and a pertinent question. I really have to think on that one. :) Sometimes going with the flow makes more sense.
ReplyDeleteJanu, I think your idea of going with the flow, accepting things in the here and now and making the most of it, is a sign of inner contentment. We're not forcing life (or things) to happen, it just is what it is and we are an integral part of it.
DeleteThanks for coming by, my friend!
Love and blessings!
Congratulations on the upcoming new grandbaby!! That is awesome. My treasures lie in what God has blessed me with : a man and children who love me and the ability to write something people enjoy reading and draw something worth looking at. Those are my treasures. I also value my peace of mind. ♥
ReplyDeleteThanks for the congrats, Kathy! Yes, we are all on our toes expecting my daughter to go into labor any minute. :)
DeleteYou have some absolutely wonderful treasures in your family, your writing, and your peace of mind. God has richly blessed you, my friend!
Love and blessings!
Another new grandchild?? I am so excited for you!!
ReplyDeleteI definitely have found it true that clinging to things that are material and superficial only leads to suffering and there's no real lasting fruit to be had from them. This post reminds me of a verse from the Gita:
"Pleasures conceived in the world of senses have a beginning and end and give birth to misery, Arjuna. The wise do not look for happiness in them."
~ Bhagavad Gita 5:22
To find real happiness and peace we need to dig deeper...much deeper...
Loved this post. :)
Believe me, Jessica, we're excited, too. The little girl is due to arrive April 28, and that's just around the corner.
DeleteAnd, yes, what the world offers is only temporary happiness. Nothing but nothing can fill the God hole in our hearts but Him. The Divine brings true joy.
Love and blessings!
hi Martha - congrats in advance!
ReplyDeleteA very important question indeed that we often forget to ask ourselves. We seem to mindlessly wandering in life without purpose or direction. And often forget the Creator and the divine path to our salvation.
Our most important holidays, we forget about the reason for the season and simply buy stuff. Anyway, enough of the rant:) Hope you had a good Easter and many blessings to you.
Yes, we had a wonderful Easter, Vishnu, and I hope you did, too!
DeleteIt is an all important question, asking ourselves what we really want (or, need). As it turns out, Virginia never wavered for her desire for Crazy Sand, but when we went to the toy store, they didn't have it! I was really proud of her when she didn't pitch a fit and understood that her Papa would have to order it on-line. It should arrive within the week.
And, thanks for the advanced congrats! We welcomed Savannah Jane into the world at 3:12 Sunday. :)
Love and blessings!