Tip of My Iceberg

When they were growing up, my kids loved stuffed animals. The bigger, the better. We have a huge elephant now that we’ve had for over a decade, and it’s still a beloved place to lie down and nap.

Or just pretend to nap.

Kolly loves her “stuffies” so much that at any chance she gets a new one, she jumps on it with joy and speed. Stuffies fill her room, flow over into the playroom, and even have residence in her little sister’s room.

We all collect something. For many, it’s something tangible. I collected small model horses as a kid. I desperately wanted to own a horse of my own; we lived in a Chicago suburb, which made it impossible to keep one in our backyard. That, and my folks would never allow it.

I have friends who collect golf balls, Precious Moments figurines, and Pokémon cards. Others collect coins, stamps, art, and antiques. But others collect memories, experiences, journeys. There are many reasons for acquiring more of something: it brings us joy, it provides a sense of accomplishment, or it creates a sense of security for what a collection could provide us in the future.

The focus on accumulating can get us into trouble. Never being satisfied with what we have can make us anxious, greedy, or overly protective of things or money. When we do that, we lose sight of what’s really important.

Jesus told a story of a rich man who had a fertile farm that produced bountiful crops. He was quite pleased with what he had, but he worried because he didn’t think he had room to store all his crops.

He decided to tear down all his barns and build bigger ones so there would be enough room for his entire harvest. “And I’ll sit back and say to myself, ‘My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!’” Luke 12:19

But like all of us, this man had no idea what tomorrow would bring.

“But God said, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Luke 12:20-21.

The amassing of anything, be it wealth, investments, real estate, businesses, or cherished items, can control us through our concern for its protection, our fear of losing it, or the anxiety that comes from thinking it isn’t enough.

Kolly will someday lose interest in her stuffies. As she grows up, she will develop interests in big-girl things, like music, clothes, and friends.

Earthly wealth and belongings don’t provide comfort, encouragement, or purpose. Those qualities can only be found in relationships.

Permanent comfort, encouragement, and purpose can be guaranteed in a relationship with Jesus. What He offers is eternity of peace without pain. “For Christ Himself has brought peace to us.” Ephesians 2:14.

What matters most to us determines who we will become. What we value reflects who we are.

What do you collect?