Going Up the Downstairs

I find attics intriguing. Access to that upper place may be a narrow, steep, or lovely staircase, drop-down stairs, or a ladder. Some movies and books depict such spaces as treasure-filled, where you can browse through generations of stored belongings. But the attic of the place where I lived as a child didn’t have furniture, decorations, or lockers of outdated clothing. It was a dusty, musky space where my daddy stored the sacks of pecans we picked from the trees. But one day, while snooping around up there, I found a dust-covered treasure that a previous owner left behind: an old mantle clock needing repair. I’ve carried it with me from place to place for almost seven decades, and today, it faithfully keeps time on the fireplace mantle.

Everything we have is from the Lord. He provides what we need, and by not clinging to and hoarding our God-given blessings but sharing with others, we store treasures in heaven: “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. (Matthew 6:20). Luke added that Jesus also said, “Sell all that you have and give alms . . .” (Luke 12:34). What are our treasures? That which we value the most. How do we lay them up in heaven, and what are the offerings? Letting go and sharing our blessings with others, especially those in need.

The old timepiece that sits on the mantle is precious to me. One day it will belong to one of our daughters who asked for it when I leave this earth. But the clock is only an earthly valuable that will be gone one day. Not so with the treasures, we lay in heaven, where no one steals, and nothing deteriorates or needs repairs. We don’t need to climb stairs or a ladder to store them there; it’s a matter of surrendering our hearts, giving of ourselves, and trusting God with what He entrusted us. When we share our blessings and ourselves with others, we give to the Lord and store our “valuables” with Him.