Thursday morning I put my youngest daughter on an airplane to begin her 5 months on mission. There must have been something wrong with the air quality at the airport because for some odd reason my eyes kept watering. Yesterday evening when I pulled into the driveway it hit me again. That lump-in-your-throat sadness one feels when we release something/someone we love.
It’s funny though when you think about it. We spend most of our live investing in things that we will all one day have to release.
One day you will turn in the keys to that job you spent decades investing in.
One day you will have to say goodbye to loved ones you thought you had more time with.
One day you’ll struggle to fill your schedule with things to do.
One day your kids will pack up every belonging in your home and get rid of them. (Yes, those valuable nick-knacks you were so proud of will probably be sold at a garage sale for a quarter! (Why do you think we watch Antique Roadshow?)
One day you will look back on your life and ask yourself some very scary questions.
Questions like:
- Did I live a life of value?
- Did I fill my schedule with the right things?
- Did I invest my heart, soul and years in stuff that will have no real meaning when I’m dead and gone.
Jesus said:
““Don’t store up treasures here on earth…Store your treasures in heaven…Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (Matthew 6:19–21, NLT)
Jesus is saying, invest your life in what will outlast you. Order your schedule, your money and your priorities in things you will never have to release.
May I humbly suggest that you live a life of layaway instead of a life of regret someday.
Pastor Brian
Dawn
Posted at 15:12h, 20 SeptemberWow! :} good one :} You and the other Pastors always get me to think about things in an entirely different light :} So glad to be a part of such a great group of wonderful, caring, loving, family peeps. Nothing is forever….. except Eternity :}
Morgan Hazel
Posted at 15:40h, 20 SeptemberAs Eternity approaches people become more important.
Owen Ramsey
Posted at 15:42h, 20 SeptemberWell said Pastor Brian.Sometimes it takes a while for some of us to realize the true treasures we have here on earth are certainly not material. Our real treasures are our family and friends.There comes a time,as you mentioned,that we need to release them as well without letting go.
Linda Dickerson
Posted at 17:12h, 20 SeptemberWe are only here for a short visit. Love those around you.
Michelle Hicks
Posted at 18:15h, 20 SeptemberWow! Very well said!
Karen
Posted at 18:18h, 20 SeptemberI totally get that “lump in your throat” feeling. Here’s a link to a post I wrote the first time Emily left for an overseas adventure: http://www.karenlembo.com/2010/07/09/love-lets-go/
I don’t know if it gets easier, but you share great perspective on learning to let go, and you are setting your flock a great example. We are praying for ALL of you!
Scott Creager
Posted at 02:49h, 21 SeptemberInvest in that which is eternal: God’s word and people. If you want a fulfilling life, empty yourself. Sorry Morgan, I believe people are always important, as eternity approaches we become more urgent, which brings me to something the late Benny Hill once said “Treat everyday like it was your last, because one day you will be right. “
Tammy west
Posted at 03:26h, 21 SeptemberPastor Brian
That was well said and sadly some ppl miss what’s right in front of their faces for yrs and live with a lifetime if regrets!!:(.. I have always tried to live my life without regrets, you never think your worst nightmare as a Parent will ever come true well it did for me, as most of you know my Brooke Lauren went home to be with Jesus sooner than any of is wanted her to, never in a million yrs did I think my family would be hit with such a shocking tragedy!!.. I as a mommy learned more from Brooke a 13/14yr old young women who was so wise!!.. She taught me how to be a fighter, she taught me how to love deeper than I did, she taught me never ever take anyone or anything for granted, the biggest thing she taught me was to live every second, of every minute, of every day, of every week, of every month, of every year like you may not live another second, another words live life to the fullest reach as many ppl for Christ as you can and love your neighbor like you love yourself!!!! No one I mean No one is exempt from getting life changing news or finding out you don’t have long to live!!.. What will you do with your Dash?. All we are called to do in this life is follow the Ten Commandments, Love Everyone Like Jesus Does, Go out and make Deciples!!!..
Brian Moss
Posted at 00:32h, 23 SeptemberAmen Tammy!