Where Is Your Treasure?
Shock…horror…disgust…tears…anger…recrimination…my feelings raced like torrents of scalding lava.
I was preparing the guest room for a visit from friends and opened to the closet to rearrange the coats for more space. This is where I hang items worn only a few times
a year: winter jackets, evening gowns and also one treasured item left to me by my mother — her deep brown, gloriously silky, divinely luxurious mink coat.A Frenzied Discovery
As I slid the hangers to one side, dozens tiny moths suddenly flew out in frantic 
confusion. I froze. There in front of me hung my mother’s mink coat, its right side infested with eggs, fluttering wings and partly devoured fur. I wanted to throw up. The sight was disgusting — a violation of something beautiful, the desecration of a family treasure.
A Collision of Feelings
I was flooded with guilt and shame and rage at not having better protected this precious gift. But, moths had never been in this room before…I never thought to worry, never knew the coats were in any danger. How could I have known? Should I have known?
It was a pointless inquiry now.
| The Bible tells us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt 6:19) |
A Hard Lesson
These words became real to me in a new way this day as heavy-hearted, I wrapped up the mink to take to the cleaners. The incident was a potent reminder of the impermanence of this physical world and the sadness that accompanies loss. Today, as millions face bigger threats than this: the convulsions of violent weather, capricious financial markets and unstable governments, may we remember to “set our hearts on things above (Col. 3:1) and find strength in God, “… as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Heb. 6:19)
We all know this, deep down inside but one can’t have too many reminders!
Thank you for sharing Marion! Love, Andrea
Yes! “Keep your heart with all diligence. For out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) It takes practice, prayer and the Holy Spirit, but we can do it! Thanks, Andrea.
~M. xoxo
This is a timely reminder in these times of financial insecurity and turmoil. You experienced such a tangible example of the rusting of treasures on earth. God is in control. Love, Jeanne
He is, indeed, Jeanne! “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 34:4) Thanks for your comment.
~M. xoxo
This is a very good example of the fact that we should not allow ourselves to get attached to material items, but instead to keep our eyes and hearts focusing upward on Jesus.
We learn from our lessons, don’t we? God willing, the older we get, the easier it becomes to let go of less of unimportant things and allow more of Jesus in our lives. He is the true treasure!
Thanks for your comment.
~M. xoxo
Marion, thank you for these beautiful examples of kingdom perspective! You are deeply loved and appreciated!!!
Thank you, Peggy, for your sweet and thoughtful comments.
~M. xoxo
Marion,
These are wonderful stories, great scriptures and overall SO inspirational. Thanks for nudging me to click on the link. I just right past it the first time and I’m sorry that I did. A very happy Thanksgiving to you and Russell! Love, Karen
Karen, so glad you took the time and got a lift! What a blessing back.
xoxo ~M.