Yesterday I had the opportunity to take the afternoon off from work to get out into the flood destroyed areas of town. My best friend’s home sustained damage, so that’s where I headed.

We, as volunteers who were willing to help as needed, were asked to park outside their hard-hit neighborhood and walk to the homes of our friends and family. It was about a mile hike through streets lined with debris. All of these families were dealing with the same conditions. Water had flooded basements, but the upper levels were still intact and untouched.

And so one thought I had was that everything on the outside of these homes seemed normal. As if nothing had even happened. But once inside, the damage and debris was staggering. How often we live our lives that very way. Allowing others to believe everything is fine, but inside we are hurt, broken and bruised. The saddest part is that we do life alone when we don’t allow others to see what is really happening. We miss out on the love and compassion others will gladly express when we hold it all inside. If this is happening with you now, please open up to someone you can trust. It’s the only way to healing.

My friends had damage to their entire basement. Flood waters had entered their home through a broken window and it had tossed the heaviest items around as if they were children’s toys.

Throughout the afternoon, this small army carried buckets and tubs filled with mud-covered items. Each load removed a little piece of their lives. Each section uncovered elements that told the stories of who this family was. The business owners. The couple who raised three boys. The woman who enjoyed decorating her home for each holiday. The boys who collected select items. The family who loved being together.

My work outfit…before

When we got to the section where memories were laid open and bare, a little more time was taken between each removed tub. Moments were taken to reflect on some of the items found. His elementary school grade card. Her fifth grade picture with curly hair and glasses. Their oldest son’s first driver’s license. Photographs of family vacations. These were more than memories being tossed out. These small treasures told the story of their lives.

I found a small box. A treasure chest. It had a little pad lock on it. There was something inside. It seemed important, so I walked outside with only this small find in hand. When I reached the garage, my friend and her oldest son were standing together. I held out this small treasure chest and her son exclaimed, “That’s mine!”

My work outfit…after

Well the little pad lock was actually just there for looks. The box was easily opened and inside there was treasure. Coins that this young man had collected in his youth. There were none of any great value, but it was something that had been important to him at one time. The whole box, with all its contents were thrown into the pile of trash at the road.

I couldn’t help but think of Jesus’ words yesterday as I walked and worked. His words about our treasures in Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV). “Do not 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 moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

I found myself reflecting on my own belongings and how I cling to them just a tad too much. I have a basement full of items that are meaningless. Oh some of them are of value to me. Those items that are filled with memories, but I wouldn’t trade them for the relationships that were built while those memories were being made.

So why do we hold on to earthly possessions as much as we do? I really can’t answer that question for you, but I can for myself. It’s a heart issue. Some of my belongings hold a piece of my heart that I’ve not been willing to give completely to God. But Jesus tells me in this passage of Scripture that it’s dangerous to do so.

When we hold too closely to our possessions in this world, we will be disappointed. Oh there may not be a 500-year flood that comes through and wipes it all away, but something could destroy them. And even if they aren’t destroyed by a catastrophe, there are the elements of this world that may. But the real damage is what this “love” will do to our hearts. They draw us one step further away from our relationship with God.

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Where is treasure? Where is your heart? Nothing of this world is worth losing your soul over. Maybe it’s time to do a little clean-up of our own.

Later in the day, my friend’s youngest son found the treasure chest in the pile of trash and pulled it out. He carefully washed away the muck that covered the coins inside. That’s exactly what Jesus wants to do in our hearts. Wash away all the junk that hinders us from being spiritually healthy children of God.

Open your heart to Jesus and allow Him to give you a new heart. One where He is the ruler sitting on the throne. One where the things of this world become meaningless. One that is looking toward heaven and eternity. One that is spiritually healthy. Then just take a look at what He will do through you.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

There are great needs here in Colorado after the flooding. If you’d like to help, there are plenty of opportunities to do just what I did in our communities. Jump in. Do something. Rocky Mountain Christian Church meets with volunteers each morning (Monday – Saturday) at 7:30 am to organize and go out into the communities. If you’d like more information about joining this group, just let me know.

If you are unable to do the work, there is still plenty to do. You can pray for those who are most affected. Pray for their spirits to be lifted. Pray for their strength to rebuild. Pray for their spiritual well-being.

You can also give through Rocky Mountain Christian Church by going to their online giving page or you may send a check to the church (9447 Niwot Rd, Niwot, CO 80503) and mark “flood relief” in the memo line.

For more information on what RMCC is doing in this area, you may visit our flood relief web page.

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