I feel like we are flying through the alphabet during this Blogging from A to Z challenge in April. During this first full week of April, we begin with the letter “e.”

In the article I’m using as my alphabet guide (“More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try” in a recent Good Housekeeping magazine), Ms. Marquez explains that when we spend our money on experiences rather than stuff, we are able to experience happiness.

More and more I hear of families giving “experience” gifts rather than an object. Zoo passes, knitting lessons, ski lift passes, or even the promise of a picnic all direct our attention to being with the person rather than occupying the person’s attention with a gizmo or gadget. Smart.

In this article, Ms. Marquez makes this statement. “The dry cleaner may destroy your blouse, but it can’t touch your memories.”[i]

I recall someone else making a statement something like this. That someone is Jesus.

In His longest message in Scripture, Jesus found Himself in the midst of a crowd. This was a perfect opportunity to teach, so Jesus went up on the mountainside and they all gathered around Him. In this moment, Jesus began to teach.

In these three chapters in Matthew, Jesus shared God’s plan for our lives as it relates to adultery and divorce. Murder and oaths. Justice and fasting. Judging and wisdom.

Jesus also explained how we are to live our lives. We are to be different than the world. We should not worry. We must share our possessions with others. We are to love one another. We are to pray and ask God for what we need. And we are to be fruit producers.

In the middle of all this teaching, Jesus shares this idea about treasure.

“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.” (Matthew 6:19-21 – NIV)

Jesus said it first. Things will be destroyed. But the experience of being with Jesus cannot be destroyed or taken from you.

The things of this world have a way of taking our minds and focus off of what really matters. When we allow our possessions to control us, we cannot expect to enjoy the experiences all around us. Physical or spiritual.

Remember. Jesus came so that we might have abundant life. Abundant life is not found in things. It is found in the spiritual riches we have stored up in heaven.

What do you need to experience today? Are you overlooking the personal relationships you’ve been blessed by? Is there something that has gained control of your life?

Maybe you need to experience Jesus today. He’s patiently waiting for you to move your attention from earthly things to heaven. What are you waiting for?

Experiences can be exciting, thought-provoking and life-changing. Let’s take our lives back and experience abundant living. What a great way to get an attitude adjustment!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today,” Jennifer Rainey Marquez, Good Housekeeping, Vol. 260, No. 4, page 114.