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Last fall, I had a contents sale of my mother's personal stuff that she no longer needed or would have use of, as she had moved into a retirement facility. There were glasses, dishes, oil heaters, a wall unit, a sofa, a table and chairs, books, bedding, two television sets, and so on. The sale went well, but I still had two carloads that I delivered to the local Salvation Army thrift store.
I brought all her clothing to the retirement facility, her new home, and with her permission, sorted what she would continue to wear and what I could give away and recycle. Mom did not realize that she owned over fifty pairs of pants, along with matching tops, and then some! During her almost five-month hospital stay, she had lost some weight, so many of her outfits were too big.
Sorting through all those items that mom and dad had purchased or collected over the many years that they were together, I became aware that this was her life's stuff that I was sorting and selling. Now that mom is in her new retirement home, she doesn't need them anymore. As she ages, she will need fewer and fewer of the material goods that she retained, but her spiritual treasures will become more and more important to her.
Matthew 6:19-21 – Do not store up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (NASB)
Is emphasis on material goods in your life holding you back and keeping you from being free?
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for reminding us not to lay up treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Help us to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven instead. Thank You for the process of retirement and aging that helps us to focus on spiritual treasures. Amen.
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Good reminder Rosemary.
Thanks for the outstanding, true message!
Good thought today Rosie.
Blessings.
Enjoyed this. I am slowly getting rid of things as time is marching on.
(B.C.)
Rosemary, so true and also a hint for everyone of us to clear out our homes now with stuff that could help someone else!!
Dear Rosemary,
Your contents sale devotion was meaningful to me and I’m sure others. I have always been aware of “stuff” but accumulation creeps in even though much has been given away. It’s a constant reminder that photos should be sorted again. Extra clothes in the closet should find a new home and on it goes. Thanks for your meaningful contribution to stir us into action.
Dear Rosy,
One thing is for sure, we are not taking anything with us except our hope and His love.
Tough for the ones left to clear up what is left behind. In a way downsizing is a part of that process, and a tad upsetting as one comes to terms with the fact that life is not forever here on earth, and dealing with our diminished capacity to cope.
Focusing on Heavenly Treasures is good as that can only get better, as does the thought of becoming mobile and free from pain and dementia.
Still not there yet myself, but glad to see my parents free at last from their process along the way.
May God grant you grace, wisdom and strength as you help your mom along the way to the hereafter. All in good and not before God’s time.
Blessings.
Heartwarming story, Rosy.
I found your devotional to be uplifting, comforting and very wise, thank you.
Hi Rosy,
I read your devotional this morning. It is amazing how things accumulate, but to be honest we did not buy a lot of because we wanted to have more stuff, some of it seemed a good idea at the time.
I knew it was you when I started to read, I hope your mother is adjusting.
Blessings.
Thank you for the devotions you submit. They always have a message for me. Today’s was especially meaningful. Several years ago my husband and I relocated from our home to an apartment. A few years later my husband passed away and I moved to my daughter’s home. Both moves saw only necessities moved as space was limited. As you indicated today, what was disposed of was “stuff”. Although each item held a memory, the memory is in my heart with the wonderful man I shared so many years of my life. The “stuff”” is not necessary. Please continue your inspirational devotions . Blessings.
Thank you for your devotional today, and it really hit me in the head. I’m 92, in good health and living with my daughter. When I moved here I was able to bring my china cabinets, and a grandfather clock. They are loaded with my beautiful treasures. There are many that have real histories that go back to the 1880’s. Other than what all of this stuff means to me, what does it mean to my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild? Not a thing as far as I know. If I don’t begin to let some things go, my daughter will have a big job, and no doubt an estate sale. I need to start having some talks with the Lord about what He want to do as there a few things that are “worth something” which means that if I can get some of their worth, the missions would be a receiver.
Thank you, Rosemary, for jarring me. God loves you and so do I,
(Ca.)
Rosemary, thank you for your reflection. I had not thought of aging as a gift but more as a time of aches and limitations. But it is a gift! Aging provides us with an opportunity to reorder our lives, to shed ourselves of earthly things and focus on the eternal.