August 2, 2020

We are on vacation; visiting my parents in Wyoming, doing some sightseeing! It’s a time and a vacation we have looked forward to for many months! Excitement and planning have been on-going ... I am a list person and I have had a list going for weeks. Of course, the challenges of the COVID pandemic have added a twist we have not dealt with in prior trips!

Knowing that we were going to be traveling by air ... we would be required to have face coverings on all planes. At least a month ago I ordered special masks for each of us. I spent “extra” money, and purchased these masks, light weight, replaceable filters, adjustable straps, comfortable so we would have them for the trip. They arrived on time, checked out to be just as promised. I put mine aside… “saving it” to be special for the trip.

The day comes to pack and leave. Everything is in order... we are driving to the airport, going through security ... I am looking for my ‘special mask.’ It was nowhere to be found. (Of course, Howard and Haley had theirs!) As I searched and searched God spoke to my spirit. “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 neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;” Matthew 6:19-20 NASB

While I will never qualify to be on the TV show Hoarders, I do have a character defect that often ‘saves’ stuff for a special occasion, forgetting that God’s blessings are given to be used and shared. Why, instead of using the mask when it arrived, did I tuck it away ... saving it? I enjoy the poem “When I Am Old” ...it always makes me smile.

When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple

With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves

And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now? So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised When suddenly I am old and start to wear purple.

You can find the whole poem online. It gives me pause to think that I could be reckless and carefree. But when I sit and contemplate, pray and reflect - I am brought back to the truth found in the Word of God. What am I here for? Whose work am I to be doing? Where are my blessings from? Where do I keep the true treasures I have? The treasure of the love of Jesus, salvation in His name, and the promise of eternal life in heaven ... those gifts that cannot be forgotten, left behind (tucked away safely).

We are enjoying our time away ... and do not fret ... I have several other regular masks with me. The memories made, time with my family and parents ... all gifts and blessings to treasure for a lifetime…are gifts from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Enjoy your weekend. Praying for you today.

Love, Pastor Deb.