My Treasure, My Life

I Timothy 6:17-19

My mother in law, Rosemary, passed peacefully into the Lord's hands this week.  She was 90 years old, and she had a full, wonderful life, raising 4 children, teaching school, and doting on her 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren (with 3 on the way!).  We will celebrate her life on Monday as we read scripture, recall stories of her life, and pray for all of us who are left behind.

Rosemary loved to shop, particularly at the Hallmark Store.  The clerks knew her by name, and she loved buying Christmas ornaments for her children and grandchildren.  Every Hallmark ornament we have is from Rosemary!

But is that how we will remember her?  No, we'll remember the times she read to our children, the times she babysat, the times she enjoyed lunch at Bob Evans with us and a grandchild or two.  Our oldest, Jeff, remembers how special she made him feel.  My husband will remember that every Sunday, his mom  and dad would make sure that their family was at church.  Learning about Jesus.  Growing in faith and love.

In today's passage, Paul warns us not to put our hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put our hope in God, who richly provides everything for our enjoyment (I Timothy 6:17).  He reinforces this point in verse 18:  Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

My mother in law's legacy is her family, her faith, and the foundation she built for her children.  The Hallmark ornaments are lovely, but they are earthly treasures that will not last.

What will your legacy be?  What earthly treasure are you clinging to?  As I challenge you, I am looking deeply at my own life and asking God to show me (gently, please) where I need to focus my treasure. 

Lord, it's so easy to cling to earthly treasures.  Help me to cling to you and an eternal perspective that I may take hold of the life that is truly worth living.  Amen.