Hold Things Loosely & People Tightly

Do you treasure things or people? Read & SHARE this Thyme4Faith message for an eternal perspective.

Hold Things Loosely & People Tightly

I was just reflecting on how our upcoming move to the new twin home will bring the total places we’ve lived this year to 5. For “places lived”, I am counting everywhere we stayed for at least 30 days. While two of these locations happened to be part of our snowbird escape (Maui and Fort Meyers), the others were different locations in the Twin Cities. The home in south Minneapolis, which we sold in May. The Burnsville apartment where we are currently encamped and the Savage twin home we move to in less than 2 weeks. That doesn’t include the cabin that we sold in April.  In case you’re curious, the motley crew in the picture are family members that helped close up the cabin for the last time.

Change Impacts Perspective

As I’ve reflected on the changes encountered during this nomadic period, I’ve come to realize the importance of holding loosely to things and tightly to people. True confession. I enjoy nice things as much as the next person. Maybe even more than some. In fact, I’ve spent many hours over the recent months looking for furnishing to fit our cozy new home. However, I’ve also spent a great deal of time reflecting on how things come and go in life. Yet it’s the relationships that bring true joy and really matter. This includes my relationships with family and friends, but more importantly, my relationship with Jesus.

“Do not store up 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.” 

– Matthew 6:19-21 

Treasure Love

In Luke 10 an expert in religious law quizzes Jesus about what he should do to inherit eternal life. 

“Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭10:26-28‬ ‭

It seems rather simple, doesn’t it? Love God. Love people. But love often requires sacrifice to self. What would most please God in this situation? How can I best use my time to serve others? These are often not the questions that drive our daily thinking. But Jesus says that if we think and act this way, we will live. Life will become richer and more meaningful for us here on earth and we will gain eternal life. It may at times seem difficult to love this way. The great news is that Jesus has already modeled the way.  Love is Here by 10th Avenue North

I pray that you were inspired by this Thyme4Faith message and that you will SHARE it with someone you love.