Have you ever packed and moved? If so, you probably are hesitant to read this blog post. We recently moved, downsized – really downsized! We are building a house so after we sold our home, we found an apartment (with a garage – thank you, God). That’s great because after we sold some things, gave some things away, and pitched some, we were actually able to fit it all in. It took some really creative organization and we just hope we don’t need anything that’s in a bottom box in the garage (we have a narrow path to the door from apartment to garage). But, God blessed us with this place and we are thankful.  I have to say though…it was a struggle and the night we actually slept here, we were pooped (maybe a better word is exhausted but you get the idea). Counting this apartment, we have lived in 10 different homes in the past 35 years. Funny though…I don’t remember the actual moves. Maybe I blocked them out of my mind or maybe it was because I was younger then. Regardless, this move really knocked the wind out of me. If I had to carry boxes down those stairs another day, I might have gone on strike (ha ha). During this process though I began to think about the Israelites and felt humbled, a little bit guilty and a whole lot of thankful! After all, we had time – time to sort, time to sell, time to pack, time to move (it went right down to the wire but we made it 1 hour before our house closed and we had to be out). Grumble and complain – can’t do it when I consider my blessings. Let’s take a look at the Israelites.

Their exodus took place at night. They were told it was coming but still…did that prepare them for the moment’s notice to get out of town? I wonder. They grabbed what they could carry and off they went. Then as they traveled, God went before them in a cloud. When the cloud stopped they camped. When the cloud moved, they moved. They always had to be ready to pick up everything and take off. (Numbers 9:15-23) They followed the cloud and did just what the Lord commanded, when He commanded (immediate obedience – after all, is delayed obedience really obedience?).

Exodus 15:11 “Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you – majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders”? (Remember all the wonders He showed them during their trek? Parting the sea is one of my favorites but so very many…) Exodus 15:13 “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.” God is good – all the time. He knows all; He created all. We can surely trust and follow Him!

I have a hobby – quilting. It’s a hobby I thoroughly enjoy (especially since I share the hobby with my daughter) but along with that hobby I have tons of stuff (supplies). As I was boxing up all the fabrics, books, tools, etc. I was a little overwhelmed myself with how many boxes it took to accommodate all my “treasures”. In my defense (or justification), most of what I make is given as gifts but still – I think I might have to live to age 100 to use up everything! Humbling, a little embarrassing and extremely motivating to get busy and sew. I started thinking about what God says about our “treasures”. Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Do not (stop) store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store (start) 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.”

I sometimes wonder, if I just had time to grab what I could carry and leave everything else behind, what would I grab? What would you grab? Makes you stop and think doesn’t it? What are our “treasures”?

Well, we are settled now until the next move and I would like to leave you with this verse about treasures – God’s treasures. Deuteronomy 26:17-18 “You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in his ways, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws, and that you will obey him. And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands.” If God is not yet your Lord, please seek Him. When you seek Him, you will find Him. His word tells us so. You will find what has been missing from your life in God, only in God. Have a blessed day!