Lay Up Treasures in Heaven
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19-20)
My very dear friend and counselor told me from the very first day that I should journal. He also told me a story about a man who had taken 3×5 index cards and would write down thoughts and memories as they came to him. His reason was he did not want to forget! Well, that sounded like a good idea to me so I did start a journal and I bought myself some index cards.
As I wrote the journal and notes on the index cards I looked at the stack of sympathy cards I had received. And then it dawned on me I had a treasure trove of memories of Pat that I needed to save. Through the marvels of electronics I also had all our personal texts for several years and was able to print them out. Where would I put all of these precious memories? And then I spied on my coffee table a treasure chest we were using for decoration. It became Pat’s treasure box for me!
As I write notes and find memorabilia it goes into the box. It sits in my living room in an honored place and I have placed 2 crosses next to it to remember that Pat and I had dedicated our marriage to God. I know Pat is not there! She is in heaven and the chest reminds me to place my treasures in heaven. The physical action of writing, discovering and placing items in the chest have been very therapeutic for me and brightened my spirits.
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4, NKJV)
Widower's Walk 