Lay Not Your Treasures on Earth

As a young child, growing up under the guidance of the Christian church, a Sunday school teacher once asked the class what we wanted for Christmas. I raised my hand and said, “I wanted a lot of money.” She looked me in the eyes and said something I will never forget because I was embarrassed by my response to her question. I could have said something more meaningful, but that was the first thing that came into my 10-year-old head. Nevertheless, it was an honest response and meaningful in my life circumstances at the time. My teacher said, “Lay not your treasures on earth.” I thought to myself, what does that mean?

As a young adult, I acquired some of those treasures, such as well-tailored suits for work, my own car, the ability to go to exceptional restaurants to dine. I had the finest china from Wedgewood, the latest microwave/convection oven, and thin stemware in which to pour the best wine when I entertained people in my house. I enjoyed trips to ski resorts, and joined the most popular health clubs to play tennis after work during the winter months. Afterwards, I would enjoy a dry sauna for a half hour, and later sat around the club's fireplace enjoying some brandy to lift my spirits before heading home.

For years, I brought and brought things that I wanted but not necessary needed. I educated myself acquiring four degrees. These things elevated my self worth and confidence. They were things that gave me a feeling of being in the same class as my peers. I felt I had finally made it, I thought I was happy-but I was not. It wasn’t until I lost everything that I realized what these things really meant. It was a time of reflection. It was a time for cleansing my soul.

When I began to get my life back, I sought the companionship of the older generation instead of trying to keep up with the Jones. From socializing with my senior companions I learned their wisdom, and came to know what’s important in life and why. From their deaths I’ve became aware of what my Sunday school teacher had said to me so many years ago. Whether you have children or not, all the memorabilia and ‘stuff' that is collected over the years has no concern or meaning to anyone but you. The people that have to close your estate will only seek things of value. The rest will probability end up in the trash or at a Thrift shop.


In my memoir, Leaving a Voice, I talk about periods in my life where lessons are learned and wisdom acquired. How I came out of it all a better person, then I was—at least I think so. Now that I’ve grown up, I consider myself a jack-of-all-trades but a master of nothing but that bible verse, and I thank God for the eyes to see and knowledge to know.