The Archie Fire has come and gone. The smoke has lifted. There will be a tomorrow.
I spend time each day walking my forested neighborhood, hoping to make peace with what the Archie Fire left behind. A few days ago while walking the line between my property and my brother-in-law's the Lord reminded me of something important. Everywhere I looked I saw piles of rubble. Piles that represented hard work, dreams, and precious memories. And copious tears.
My first sense was to grab hold of the grief, then I heard the quiet voice of the Lord say, "Dust to Dust. Ashes to Ashes."
Nothing on this earth was made to last forever. Eventually the things we love most will become dust. We know this, but facing it can be excruciating. Are we ever really ready to to release what we love?
I don't feel badly about cherishing special mementos in my home, things that came from my grandparents and parents, thoughtful gifts from friends and family. They matter. God created us to love one another, and so many of our treasures represent people and personal history. But do we hang on too tightly? I was in something of a panic while evacuating and trying too decide what was most important. What should I take?
In truth I could have been forced to walk away with nothing other than my life and the lives of my loved ones and still known I was blessed.
I was not been required to release a home filled with memories as so many others have and I am grateful. But one day, all of the "stuff" won't matter at all. The only thing that will be on my heart is the love I share with my friends, family and my Lord.
The Word says, "The Lord formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being."
One day, we will be forced to release our dearest treasures. In Ecclesiastes it says, "All come from dust, and to dust all return."
Do not hold worldly possessions too tightly. Spend time with the treasures that breathe and have beating hearts. For love is all you will take with you when you leave this earth.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
