Earlier in the summer I was watching children playing at the beach and building a great sandcastle. Then the waves came in, but they didn’t panic. They jumped to their feet squealing with delight, and they watched the water wash away their creation. They were not sad because even children know the inevitable end of sandcastles. If only we could be so wise. The stuff of this world, with which we spend so much time to amass, is about as permanent as sandcastles on the beach. But that doesn’t seem to deter us. We get so caught up in our stuff and angry if we lose some of it. Well, let me tell you a secret. God did not create you and me to live in a bigger house, to have all the toys, to drive the newest car, to get rich, to be famous, to dress in the nicest clothes, or to dine at fancy restaurants. He created us for His glory, for love and relationships. Enjoy your sandcastles, but remember, don’t get too attached to them because sandcastles are not permanent. Don’t build your life around sandcastles that will wash away. The Great Commandment says, “Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” If you want to live a stable, solid life, invest in loving God and loving people.
– Dr. Tim Thompson