“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt 6:21 NKJV)
There is a picture of me in an old scrapbook. It was taken by my Mom a quarter of a century ago. I was taking Summer classes in college and was moving into an apartment with 3 other boys to save money. In the photograph I was carrying two suitcases loaded with everything I was going to need to get me through the 6 weeks of classes. It is the last time I can remember ever traveling that light.
Since then my possessions have grown. Most of them like my furniture and appliances are useful and practical. Many of them are gifts given to me with love that bring me joy just to look at and hold. Still, there are times when I feel weighed down by all of them. I know if I ever move again I will need two trucks rather than two suitcases.
One thought, however, brings me comfort. It is the knowledge that when I make my final journey from this world I won’t be taking any of those things with me. The only things I will take with me will be what I have packed in the suitcase of my soul. I will be carrying with me every kind thing I ever did, every loving thought I ever shared, and every bit of laughter I ever brought into this world. I will be carrying all the joy I created, all the goodness I gave to others, and all the love I was able to choose and share. These things won’t be weighing me down either.
They instead will be lifting me up. In fact, I will be traveling lighter than ever before on the wings of God’s glorious love.
As you get ready for your own final trip then make sure that you are traveling light. Make sure that the stuff in your home always takes second place to the love in your heart. Make sure that your greatest possession is your own soul. And make sure that when you unpack it in Heaven God and all His angels will smile.
Joseph J. Mazzella