Today at MOPS, our Moms had a “Trash to Treasures” swap. There were baby clothes and toys in all shapes and sizes. Although, I did not have any little ones to grab things for – it was fun for me to pick out a few items for some new babies (I picked out the sweetest pink Easter dress for a new baby girl, Zoe born in January 
). It was unbelievable how much stuff there was (the left overs went home with a MOPS Moms who is planning a garage sale to raise money for an adoption).
My devotions today were also themed “Trash to Treasures” and were based on Matthew 6:19 & 21.
“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 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
I actually wrote about this theme on my July 10th post titled “As a Mother of Young Children – Lay up Treasures in Heaven . After, I got home this afternoon, I read a blog by one of our MOPS Mom titled “Pondering Treasures”- in which she writes about processing her thoughts on the concept of real treasures. Paula is always insightful, so I encourage you to read “Pondering Treasures” – you will be blessed.
I ended today’s devotion with this story on Dara Torres who won 3 Silver Medals for swiming in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She was on the cover of the USA Weekend September 26-28, 2008 (yes I saved this cover just for this devotion).
On the cover it shows Dara with her medals saying… “ I just won these Olympic Medals, but my greatest treasure is …. my daughter Tessa”.
Her statement shows that she realizes that someday her Olympic Medals will just be trinkets, but the relationship she is building with her 2 1/2 year old daughter has the opportunity to last forever.
And that is the theme of the “Treasure Devotion’ – of all we do as Moms (the never-ending jobs of laundry, meals, clean up, discipline and more), our most important treasures are the relationships we have with our loved ones. These relationships are the only things we can actually take with us to heaven. Although, I do not know anything about Dara Torres other than she won 3 Olympic Medals; I know that she is absolutely right about her greatest treasure.
So, today take time to build those relationships with your children, your husband, your loved ones. Paula writes … “Think about the treasures you can take with you after you die…..time spent with your husband and children, connecting with friends, investing in making a difference in someone else’s life, a word of encouragement, a helping hand…..these are treasures that can’t be kept in any treasury, but will stay with you through eternity”.
May you be encouraged today to lay up your treasures in Heaven where nothing is destroyed!
