It's just stuff....

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20

The stuff. Oh the stuff. It’s amazing what you can collect and acquire. Even more amazing is that I didn’t think I missed things until I realized they were gone. It’s also unbelievable to see how things ended up all over the place. I’ve found chocolate malt balls all over the house. Bedroom, hallway, kitchen, living room. How did chocolate malt balls get everywhere?! And then I found the empty package laying in the hall. It must have exploded and malt balls – well, they went everywhere. You just have to laugh.

What doesn’t make me laugh are the globs of charred and melted Christmas ornaments and decorations I keep finding. I’m starting my own game called “Guess the Blob” where you have to figure out what object or number of objects melted together to make a big ol’ blob! (Remember, if I don’t laugh, I’ll cry!)

I’ve found precious things that I proudly displayed in a curio cabinet my parents bought me for my 21 birthday. I had packed them away and wrapped in them newspaper so Ed could move the curio cabinet to the kitchen while we waited for carpet. The entire cabinet ended up tossed on its side and completely destroyed. Again something that seemed like an inconvenience but ended up being such a blessing.

And yet, it made me think – ask myself – what if it had all been destroyed. Would I still be thankful? Would I still have joy? Would I still be able to praise Him in the storm?

I’m so thankful for the people who came over today and helped us inventory, counting DVD’s, spoiled food in the fridge and freezer, piles of hanging clothes, everything buried under at least a foot or more of soot and debris. Thank you, Susan, Julie & Gary! Ironically, and again comically, so many of the items that had been in the back unfinished rom were all my yardsale items. (Oh fyi, Russell Springs is having a neighborhood yard sale this Saturday.) Funny how my old “stuff” that I wanted to get rid of and didn’t use anymore is now most of the only “stuff” I have left.

Here’s the lesson I am learning; please heed my words – it’s all just STUFF. Stuff can be replaced. As we walk day by day, I’m reminded of what’s important. Family, friends, prayers, love, reaching out to meet a need, gratefully and humbly accepting when you are in need. Please hear me on this. I wish I could have been at the breakfast table of the homes in Russell Springs on Friday morning when parents were talking to their children about a “fire escape plan.” I wish I could have heard the conversations. I’m privy to one that a neighbor shared, saying her two little girls could only ask if the little boy who lived there was okay and if he needed toys because they would share theirs. People have given out of their abundance. And people have given out of their own need. And yet, what we’re receiving is so much love, we’re simply overwhelmed.

People keep asking how I am. I’m tired. I’m actually exhausted. Physically, mentally and emotionally. I’m sick from all the smoke and now mold, having lost my voice since Friday. But, as E says, I have a happy heart and I’m not letting go of that. I love you all.