~ Eternal Value ~

I guess because my oldest is growing up I am starting to ponder the brevity of life more. What I once thought would last forever is flying by at a rapid pace.

Things that I took for granted are no longer there...moments that I remember clearly are lost forever.

All things do pass. Nothing lasts forever. During trials these are encouraging words and yet when looking over the lives of your children, the memories, the special times when they were little, it becomes a grim reminder of the reality of this life here on earth.

I must examine my choices. Am I investing enough in that which is eternal?

"But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither rust nor moth destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal."~ Matthew. 6:20

What an important scriptural concept. If we really clearly understood that our days here on earth are numbered, would we feel a greater urgency to invest in eternal values?

I was reading something that Dr. James Dobson wrote in a Focus on the Family newsletter that I thought I would share.

Here are his words below:

"Would a 50-year-old man pursue an adulterous affair if he knew how quickly he would stand before his God? Would a woman make herself sick from in-law conflict or other petty frustrations if she knew how little time was left to her? Would men and women devote their lives to the pursuit of wealth and symbols of status if they realized how soon their possessions will be torn from their trembling hands? It is the illusion of permanence, you see, that distorts our perception and shapes our selfish behavior. When eternal values come in view, our greatest desire is to please the Lord and influence as many of our loved ones for Him as possible.

I ask each of my readers this important question: If we really believed that the eternal souls of our children hang in the balance today--that only by winning them for Christ can we spend eternity together in heaven--would we change the way this day is lived? Would we ignore and neglect so great an opportunity if our eyes were fully opened to this awesome responsibility? I think not. I pray not.

Addressing myself now to the mothers and fathers of young children, I urge you to keep this eternal perspective in view as you race through the days of your lives. Don't permit yourselves to become discouraged with the responsibilities of parenting. Yes, it is an exhausting and difficult assignment, and there are times when you will feel like throwing in the towel. But I beg you to stay the course! Get on your knees before the Lord and ask for His strength and wisdom. Finish the job to which He has called you! There is no more important task in living, and you will understand that assignment more clearly when you stand where Shirley and I are today. In the blink of an eye, you will be hugging your children good-bye and returning to an empty house. That is the way the system works." ~ Dr. James Dobson



Like this last pea pod of the season from our garden, I have 6 little peas nestled in my home for now. The time will come when they each will leave our home. I will be forced to examine the way I used my time when they were here with me.

What I do today with Gods grace can determine whether or not I will spend an eternity with them in heaven.

Much time spent with them loving, training, and guiding, along with much time spent on my knees in prayer is what I choose today and tommorrow.

Blessings,