Are you looking up or just forward?

Why do we grow so attached to material things? A few weeks ago Travis decided we needed to start looking for a new car. We’ve had mine for five and a half years and it has over 143,000 miles on it. We’ve put all but 19,000 on it ourselves. Creating lots of memories in those miles. It’s taken us to Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Indianapolis, countless mini-vacays to Little Rock and Kansas City, and when we were in the midst of fertility treatments it took me faithfully to every single appointment.

It was my first “adult” car. The car I wanted because it had a third row seat and I was filled with anticipation that babies would soon fill the seats. The DVD player would be a bonus for those little hearts occupying the backseat on one of our numerous road trips, but my babies have never filled the backseat. Instead that faithful DVD player, that is now winding through 100 episodes of Sponge Bob (don’t judge) has entertained my nieces and nephews. You see, even though my own babies, haven’t been able to ride in this car-it’s still been filled with love, laughter, tears, prayers, and smiles.

It was my Christmas present in 2013. It’s where on early mornings to work, before I picked up my sweet momma and niece I had praise and worship. It’s where when I was broken, I cried out to God through tears when I had no words. It brought LuLu home after her major surgery, has taken her to countless spa days at the groomer, and has given her a cozy heated seat to snuggle in. It’s been a medical transport when a precious niece broke her arm in first grade. It’s been a taxi to my dear cousin and aunts on the way to a Family Feud tryout. It’s been part of the survey crew when T’s truck was in the shop. It’s carried lumber and tools and tons of red clay off our shoes while we built our home. It’s taken us to funerals, weddings, babies hello world days, soccer games, vacations, and regular work days. Countless hours have been spent behind that wheel.

So, why do we grow so attached to things? To possessions? To mere objects? The Bible warns us–

“Do not love the world or the things in the world…”-1 John 2:15

Yet, we still tie our hearts and emotions to material things of this world.

A new car has been found. It’s on its way and will be here within the week. I’ll say goodbye to the car that has driven me faithfully for the last several years. New memories will be made, more praise and worship, more road trips. But, it’s bittersweet. I’m sad to say goodbye. But, the truth was written for us all those years ago,

“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever .” -1John 2:17

So, I’m focusing on things eternal. My faith is in The One who holds my story not in the material objects of this world.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” -Colossians 3:1-2

Father, help me to seek you first and not the things of this world. Let my love for you and your people be greater than my love of self and love of material possessions. Because, in the end it’s your love that matters and not the possessions.

Blessings,

P.S. I’m guilty of choosing objects and possessions over my time with the Lord. I like shiny, sparkly objects. I enjoy shopping and new shoes, new purses, new makeup. But, I also hold on tightly to objects with strong memories. I’m a work in progress. Shifting from things to memories and moments. Are you guilty like me? Do you idolize objects in your life? What are you holding on to? Are you a work in progress? I’d love to pray for you and with you and I’d love for you to pray for me.

P.P.S. If you’re a fellow infertility sister, I’d love to hear your story and add you to my prayer list. Infertility is lonely in a world full of babies so, it’s nice knowing you’re not alone.