by Rev Douglas Brauner

Knowing where our treasure is.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.”
Philippians 3:8 English Standard Version

I spend a few moments in my backyard when I try out a different camera, new film, or a new procedure.

I take pictures of pine cones, plants, bird feeders, and our gnomes. However, these subjects don’t change. My favorite subjects are my dog and cat. Every picture of them is different from the last one I took. The cat is a little more difficult to capture on film. She moves a lot and if she’s not feeling pretty, she will avoid me.

However, I can always take pictures of Ginger. She loves to look stately and then in a few moments playful. She poses with a stick, or ball, in her mouth only to stare off into the future, as in this picture.

I’ve realized that it won’t be long and both pets will not grace my backyard. My cat, Cali, is nearing fifteen, and Ginger is twelve. I’ve noticed a change in both, but especially Ginger.

Aging stinks. I find myself anticipating the loss of my pets, and more importantly, the people who are a significant part of my life.

Paul’s attitude needs to be our attitude whether it concerns our pets, homes, or relationships. Nothing is more important than knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.

Loss is difficult, but nothing can be worse than losing our relationship with Jesus. He will not leave us, but we can choose to turn our back on him. That loss would be devastating. Thank God that he has given us His Word, His Water, and His Meal to keep us close to his heart.

As we lose the things that are important to us, may we focus our eyes on that which lasts for eternity.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado