We’ve had thieves strike. Twice. In the first instance, they were real thieves, but in the second, they were sort of fake thieves. As many of you know, we have a summer home. And in our absence thieves got in, taking our bedroom mirror and a small step ladder.
Those thieves were odd. They didn’t mess anything up and the house showed no signs of breaking and entering. They must have gotten hold of a key somehow. So not only did we have to replace those items, we also had to change the locks. What a hassle!
Strange thieves
But the second thieves were even stranger. They stole some kitchen pot holders from our guest home, which is right next door. (Actually, it’s not ours, but our daughter’s currently unoccupied home.) But that was all. They didn’t take anything else.
But it meant I had to buy brand-new pot holders, otherwise future guests wouldn’t be able to cook. And they might want us to cook for them… horror of horrors! (Just kidding! We’re always more than thrilled to have guests!) But I did need to get those pot holders.
Danger of stores
And of course, we all know the dangers of shopping. (If you’re trying to live a simple life, that is.)
So anyway, I found a set of cute heart-shaped pot holders at the merceria (the haberdashery shop). And a matching placemat, which all go well with my curtains. You see how dangerous stores can be?
But since guests are not always careful with things, I decided to keep the new potholders at home. I put the old ones in the guest house, just in case they grow legs too.
The folly of chasing stuff
I don’t do a lot of shopping, much to my husband’s delight! Ever since we chose to live a simple life, I started seeing how much shopping impedes that. And then we had the thieves. And not only. We’ve had some problems with mildew lately too. Which sent some stuff to the trash.
All this helped me see, even more, the folly of keeping earthly treasures. The more stuff we have, the more work it creates. We have to maintain it, clean it, or tend to it in some way. And I don’t want to spend my life and time keeping up with a lot of stuff!
And also because I’ve discovered that the less I buy, I appreciate new purchases even more. And this time, I didn’t know if I’d ever find a table centerpiece that matches my curtains so well!
Still, I choose not to pursue stuff because:
- There are better uses for my money.
- There are better ways to spend time.
- The less I have, the less I have to worry about thieves.
- Or about moths and rust. Dust and breakage.
And mostly because I’d rather chase after better treasures! Like love, peace, joy, contentment, and generosity. Treasures that thieves, rust, and mildew can never touch!
How about you? Can thieves get their hands on your treasures?
Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21 CSB
Images: Graphic made on Canva | Others ©SignoraSheila.
Signora Sheila 
OK… I’m just in awe at the “moving 50+ times” statement. That’s just incredible! But yes… I can see how it could build into you a habit of keeping things light. 👋😃
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Ha Mike, incredible – or crazy! I tend to thin the second!! And yes, it has done wonders for helping to keep us “unattached” to earth things!
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Your attitude on stuff and clutter is admirable. Things will never satisfy us–there is nothing this side of heaven that is of such value that we need to despair if we don’t have it. He is our sufficiency–and you live that out so well. Thanks for your reminder of where our treasures should be placed.
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I think moving 50+ times has taught me to hold things with my fingertips. Stuff, after all, comes and goes. And no matter how hard I try, it keeps showing up at my house. It’s as relentless as I should be about spiritual matters!
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I envy you (Sorry I know I’m not supposed to!) I wish I led a simpler lifestyle, but I do like a bit of stuff. I really enjoy giving it to someone (especially grandkids) and see the delight in their eyes that they were remembered. I also tend to hang on to stuff that connects to special memories, but I am learning bit by bit to let go. Thanks for sharing.
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That’s a LOT of teapots–I think you chose wisely!
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Actually my mom chose two for me. We were over here when Grandma died. I’ll have to take a pic of the other, which is actually a set with sugar bowl and creamer. Really cute too!
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That teapot is ADORABLE! ‘Love the potholders and that lovely heart-shaped, butterfly-sprinkled cloth. I think we have the same homey-cottage taste in decor! Appreciate greatly your attitude about “treasures.” The older I get the less important earthly stuff becomes. I’ll bet God designed us that way! 🙂
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I think you’re right Nancy, that God did design us that way. Every day eternity get a little closer. Teapot was belonged to my maternal grandmother, from her collection of at least 300 different kind of teapots! And she didn’t even drink hot tea!
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Great attitude 👍
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Amazing how the older I get the less I want “stuff”. I am more interested in the blessings God provides and sharing those blessings with others. Yes, there are still some things I enjoy collecting. But, mostly I want to share God’s love with others and thieves can’t take away that love. 🙂
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Me too Mimi! After all God gives so that his gifts can keep on giving. And yes, those are treasures thieves can never take away!!
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