Becoming minimalists? There are a few things in life that are worth the cost.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21)."

This was not a spiritual moment for me, at first. Actually, it may have began in 2001 when I shuffled around two suitcases for 12 months while living abroad in Germany. During that year I moved 5 times, each time packing away all of my valued possessions to schlep them on to the next house. Each time was a bit more difficult, not only did I accumulate more things during the year, but I felt a longing for stability. I did, however, learn that I can live with a lot less and still be happy.

I have also lived in South Carolina (in 2003) for three months with 1 large suitcase and in China (in 2005) for 3 months with one large suitcase. Again, I moved to Germany (in 2007) for 6 months with one large suitcase. I've proven to myself that things are not as important as I sometimes think.

Actually, before I leave for a few months, I anticipate the fact that I will feel much more minimalistic. It's almost a let down to return to find rooms full of stuff that I had almost forgotten were there. And it's even more frustrating when I think that I just can't possibly let go of those items.

Thus, a minimalist has tried to emerge for quite some time. I feel as though I've mentioned the idea before and voiced it only to prove that I am weaker than my words. I know, though, that if I can just take the advice of those who have gone before me I will see the spiritual side. That is when I found the verse listed above. The things in my life should not be viewed as my treasures. Those things should be counted worthless, so that I can see Christ fully.

Where my treasure is, there my heart is also. This is a lot to ponder.