A week ago, I was throwing a load of laundry in the washer and shortly afterward I noticed my ring was missing. It has slipped off a few times before when my hands were wet, but I usually immediately see where it went. So I was 90 percent sure it was either in the washer or nearby when I was moving some other things around, but after 15 minutes looking in the most likely spots, it was not found. I still need to dig a little deeper under the appliances and in other hidden spots, before giving up or getting a replacement, but am a little disappointed that it was not quickly recovered. I still consider myself married, but do feel a little naked after going 10+ years with it on. It’s not the first time I’ve lost something by a long ways, but all those little losses serve as reminders of the value we place on things in our life. What was the most valuable things you have lost?
“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:8-10
As we get older, or progress past 25 year old anyway, we may start to realize that we may gain wisdom, but we start to gradually lost some of those physical strengths we had when we were younger. Our running or walking speed, hearing, eyesight, memory, and other things we take for granted start to decline over time. We may not even notice them immediately, unless we get injured and change quickly, but it is inevitable for us all to the point where our body gives out, and there are no spare parts available. Do you mourn the loss of your abilities as much as you do other things?
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:7-8
A few weeks ago, I had a co-worker who lost nearly all of their earthly possessions when a tornado wiped away their family farm and home. Fortunately they were not there at the time, otherwise the losses may have been much greater. When we look at all the things we have in this world, do we ever consider how much time, money, and energy we put into accumulating and taking care of all those things? If you are like me, you may get discouraged when you set your sights on de-cluttering, going through boxes, or cleaning the garage, just because of the time it takes. Do we put as much or more time into developing relationships with friends, family, new folks, or with God? We make time for those things which we value, and hopefully the things that will last beyond our time here in this world. It is a reminder for me to adjust my priorities accordingly!
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Yours in Christ,
Clark
