We’re in the middle of moving.
We had to find a new house (half the size of our current one). We’ve been figuring out how to downsize and fit into a much smaller space (a very good challenge, but a challenge nonetheless). We’ve been getting our current house ready to sell (I’ve tended not to notice too much when things needed fixing or painting, but I know someone else will). Bustle, hustle. Hustle, bustle.
I actually really enjoy all the challenges involved in moving and selling, and I tend to give them a lot of attention. The fact is—and I don’t know what you’ll think about this—I even dream about them. (For example, I dreamed that my son set down a hot pan on the white countertops and burned a spot into them that I couldn’t scrub out. Okay, so I didn’t enjoy that part so much.)
So there’s a lot of emphasis on the temporal. On things that really, in the big picture, just aren’t that important.
But today I’m sitting in a hospital waiting room with two young girls whose single mother has cancer.
It’s turning my mind more about the eternal—about things that are really important. I look at the two young girls sitting with me, and I think about that greater and more lasting treasure. Eternal souls.
I’ve never forgotten that in the letter to the Hebrews, the author said (and I paraphrase from my faltering memory), “You rejoiced when your persecutors destroyed your stuff, because you knew that in heaven you had a greater and more lasting treasure.”
Or what about this one: Your light affliction [which may not seem light at the time], which is but for a moment, will work in you a far greater and more eternal weight of glory.
The things that are seen are temporal. The things that are not seen are eternal.
And so I say to myself . . .
Compare. Contrast. Hold the long view. Even in the midst of American-style moving, keep your eyes on what you can’t see. Never forget what’s really important. Never forget which one is ephemeral.
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Go here to download your free Guide, How to Enjoy the Bible Again (when you’re ready) After Spiritual Abuse (without feeling guilty or getting triggered out of your mind). You’ll receive access to both print and audio versions of the Guide (audio read by me). I’m praying it will be helpful.
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