What Really Matters

“For Where Your treasure is there your heart will be also.”  Luke 12:34

I am almost 57 years old and never in my lifetime have I experienced what we as a world are currently facing. Who could have imagined what our President calls the “Invisible enemy” attacking and destroying lives as quickly as this virus? People are dying at an alarming rate and there is still so much unknown about the virus and our way of life as we move forward day by day. Life has always had its elements of uncertainty, but this virus has caused a great amount of fear, which is effecting all of us. As I have personally wrestled with my own fearful thoughts, I have purposefully surrendered them to the one true source of help and peace.  The one relationship that matters the most, my relationship with Jesus Christ.

In this time of uncertainty, I want to encourage us to remember our God is unchanging. In Hebrews 13:8 it says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.” We can cling to that fact like an anchor to hold us steady in these uncertain times. When fearful or anxious thoughts begin to cloud our minds, we have a choice to make. Will we let fear cripple us, or will we stand on the truth that Jesus has us in His watch and care? I was reminded of this important truth as I  had my own battles with fear during this time of uncertainty. I wanted to be certain every one of my children, both teens and adult, would be okay and not affected by this virus. Before the stay at home order, it was hard just making decisions for their safety as they requested to hang out with friends.  Then my second daughter called with the news that she and her husband made the tough decision to follow through with their plans to move much earlier than expected. They are actually in the middle of transitioning from the active duty Army into the Coast Guard. In this time of great uncertainty, I went to help them pack up all of their household goods and prepare them to travel over three states to their new duty assignment. In all honesty, my heart was so unsettled as I left my own home and other children to go and help them pack. On top of that was my concern for them to travel alone, my son-in-law pulling a huge trailer packed full, and my daughter driving with two of our young granddaughters to their new location. My heart was burdened for them, I realized I could not protect them or change the fact they were going to move during this time.

Driving back and forth gave me a lot of time to think and prayer. It reminded me of what really matters in life.  I asked God to forgive me for worrying and help me to take all my emotion and pray. I felt better as I began to pray, not only for my own family but also for those impacted daily by this pandemic. Refocusing my anxious thoughts into prayer was key to settling my heart. I began to think of all the ways we have seen God’s good in the midst of the situation we are currently in. It was another wonderful reminder of what really matters. Extra time with my daughters, including my adult daughters and granddaughters. I am enjoying hanging out as a family most evenings, playing games, laughing, talking, and doing a lot of creative cooking. I am grateful my husband is still able to work but most days he is teleworking from home. Again, another good in the midst of this, allowing for the girls to interact with their dad and extra time throughout my day with my honey. In the midst of this unusual circumstance, we have read through social media some of the challenges families have faced as they have been forced to learn to school at home. We have always been a homeschooling family, and we are grateful homeschooling was already a way of life for us. God had called us to teach our children at home 28 years ago. He has used that time with my children to build a heart grateful to be home with them each day. It has not always been easy, but this time in quarantine has reminded me it is one of the aspects of life that really matters. This time has given my husband and I special time building relationship with our adult children who live close to us but normally have very busy lives. Taking the time to embrace them at every age, every stage of life, and all the emotion that comes with it!

Luke 12:24 says it all. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The best thing that has happened to me through this pandemic is to remind me of the things that really matter. First, the joy of my relationship with Jesus, as my constant, who settles and redirects my heart. Secondly, the relationship I have with my husband and the relationships I continue to build with my children.

My prayer for you is that you too are seeing with clarity the things that really matter in your life. I want to encourage you to put your trust in Jesus. Let Him in and allow Him to be your Savior and the Lord of your life. I also want to encourage you to embrace your children at every age and season of life; making the most of this time to strengthen your relationship with them.