Treasures on earth are not what we should seek

One of the amazing things I get to do with the military is travel to Africa with our partnerships. On one of my first trips to Botswana, I sat and watched a cultural night where the artists showcased music and dancing across all the regions and tribes. I fell in love with the country and culture and couldn’t wait to bring my family back. We returned for Spring break the following year and traveled across Zimbabwe and Botswana. Our guide happened to be from the local tribe near the resort. We asked him if we could spend a day with his tribe. As we pulled in, he showed us the remnants of a home and smiled as he told us that he was not strong enough and that was all that remained of his first home. As we continued, I started coming up with solutions. I knew how we could bring power with solar panels, running water and a water tank, and how we could modernize this village. Then it happened, a young girl stood outside her hut and smiled and waved and you could hear her laughter on the wind. Our treasures are in Heaven and not of this earth. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20, NIV).