Arnold always says that he is so glad that he married a woman who doesn't like shopping all that much. Being so frugal, it has saved him lots of $$ over the years. I have always been that way. Growing up things were tight so I learned to do without. So when the idea of leaving all this behind and heading onto my God planned adventure came up, I said no problem....I don't need this stuff, don't want it...lets go.
Well, during the last couple of weeks, I have been busy packing the house getting ready to move. Most things were easy....this goes into the garage sale box.....that into the keepsake box (the kids first clothes and baby books). As the days go by though, I have had to make some tougher decisions on what to get rid of and what to keep. My mother in law came over and we went through some of the most difficult stuff (our Christmas stuff). Christmas is VERY important in the Austin Household. Realizing that we will no longer live in the "Gingerbread House" with all of Arnold's "Christmas Vacation" lights everywhere....getting rid of those things that you look forward to with great anticipation as you unwrap each item. I have to admit, it was harder than I thought.
I allowed myself to get into this funk of sorts. Poor Pitiful Susie, has to leave all her little treasures behind to do the work of the Lord. Somebody slap me please! Someone shake me...what am I talking about. Surely I am a little more spiritually stable than that!
These are the days that my dear friend (and missionary) Dan told me about. Those days that I have to remind myself of the call that the Lord has placed not on only Arnold's life, but MY life. Knowing that in an instant, all these THINGS that I am placing such an important emphasis on this week, is only mere seconds away from being rubble and dust. Realizing that the Lord has called ME to a life of more than dusting these little treasures and trinkets. He has called me to GO.... to bring so much more than silly passing Christmas traditions. He has called me to spread the message to those who are already being prepared at this very moment to recieve Him....not traditions, not religion, but to recieve His gift of eternal life and hope. Wow, does that change my view.
So as I end this....let me say that although I know that this isn't easy...and that it may never be easy. I know there will be things that I treasure for sentimental reasons and things I would like to pass on to my children.....but just like my attic right now....it's empty. So are the things of this world...empty. May I always strive to store my treasures in heaven daily and not look back at the
temporary trappings of this world. May I always remember that it is my pleasure to give all I have for Him, it will never be enough.
Blessed Beyond Measure!
Susie
