Reminder Not to Cling to Anything in This World

We all remember hearing about the Joplin tornado and the destruction it caused for so many families. I cannot comprehend the damage or trauma so many suffered, however, Paul and I were able to attend a shower given by a friend to support her brother and sister-in-law who literally lost everything they owned including their house AND business. Fortunately, their children and family survived. To hear their story runs shivers down my spine and quickly reminds me how easily life as we know it can change in a heartbeat. It is a reminder to hold loosely to all blessings, gifts and talents that have been entrusted to me. This includes health, intelligence, athletic ability, friends, family and belongings. Ultimately, it is only by God's grace that any of these things exist. God has crafted a plan for all of our lives, but we are not "entitled" to anything. Any or all of it can be taken in a flash. I am thankful to realize my hope for a future does not end here on earth and am looking forward to one day without tears, pain, and suffering and to living in glory with God. I am reminded of scripture in Matthew 6:19 regarding treasures in Heaven "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 moth 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. I am also reminded of Matthew 6:25-27 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

I am thankful for another day with family and friends and the ability to worship with a church family filled with amazing leaders who continue to share the good news of the gospel!