When I was younger, I wanted the white picket fence so badly!
And the husband, the 2.5 kids and dog that go with it.
And the sports cars, vacations, rockin’ body and bottomless bank account.
Life is messy.
It’s rarely a match to the utopian dreams we imagine when we’re younger.
At some point, the mile marker of the white picket fence started to fade, as did my own plans, when I welcomed Jesus into the door of my heart. The more I chase Jesus, the more I pass by things that I used to think would make me happy. The more frequently I chase Jesus, the more often I pass by those things. And the more quickly I chase Jesus, the faster I pass by those things, too.
That white picket fence used to be so real to me – I could almost smell the fresh paint! Now, I see beyond that fence to where true treasures await. In Matthew 6 verses 19 – 20, we are told:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
The fence is no longer an object that represents success, arrival or reward to me…it is a symbol of things that are temporary on this earth.
Heavenly Father, help me to keep my focus beyond the things of this world so that I may be steadfast in walking the pathway you have prepared for me. Father, I long to work in your will for my life and bring glory to your son’s sweet, holy name, always. My eyesight may be falling victim to the confines of this earth, but my vision, Lord, you sharpen more and more every day, setting it upon the good things you have prepared ahead for me. Father, please help me see opportunities you present and give me abundant courage and strength to carry out your wishes with all I meet. Thank you so much for loving me. Amen.
the toenail 