You Can't Take it With You.......
Updated: Jan 16
You Can’t Take It With You: Finding Eternal Value in Relationships
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We spend so much time chasing wealth, status, or simply surviving that we forget to thrive in the ways that truly count. The truth is, we can’t take anything with us when we leave this world — not our possessions, accomplishments, or accolades. But there is one thing we can carry with us: the love and relationships we build with our children, family, and friends.
The Gift of Connection
God designed us for connection — with Him and with others. Yet, many of us neglect forming deep, meaningful relationships in favor of fleeting pursuits. Strong connections require effort, vulnerability, and an understanding of our purpose in this life. When we embrace the reality that our relationship with God shapes every other connection, we find ourselves on a path of greater joy and fulfillment.
As parents, our relationship with our children can reflect our relationship with God. Just as God’s love is unconditional and freely given, so too should our love for our children be a guiding light in their lives. It’s not about perfection or constant striving to “earn” approval. Instead, it’s about communion, trust, and genuine connection.
Communing with God: A Model for Parenting
Our relationship with God is not a transactional one. It’s not about earning His love or fearing His judgment but about inviting Him into every aspect of our lives. Through prayer, we can share our triumphs, struggles, and needs with Him, knowing He listens and understands. This mirrors how we should nurture our children—by being present, listening, and guiding them with love and compassion.
We’re called to be the best versions of ourselves, not through coercion but through love. When we strive to reflect God’s love, we model a life that inspires others to seek their own relationship with Him. And it’s crucial to remember: we can’t force anyone to believe as we do. Our goal isn’t to win debates but to show compassion, offering others the space to grow and explore their faith at their own pace.
Healing the Broken Places
For those who’ve been hurt by their earthly parents or by people misrepresenting God, it can be hard to trust in His love. But God is not like those who have wronged you. He is the ultimate parent — loving, patient, and steadfast. Where others may have failed you, God stands ready to fill every void in your heart with His grace and peace.
Just because you have experienced pain, fear, or hurts at the hands of your parents (or others), it doesn’t allow you a "free card" to blame God or excuse you from a relationship with Him because of others’ actions. Ultimately, YOU are responsible for YOUR actions or non-actions, and YOU will be the one to suffer for leaving this void unfilled out of anger, rebellion, or resentment. God is always there, waiting with open arms to provide the love and healing that no one else can.
Consider this powerful truth: “We only know our children for a portion of our lives, but they will know us for all of theirs.” Just as our parents leave a lasting impact on us, we have the opportunity to leave a legacy of love, faith, and compassion for our children and those around us.
Matters of the Heart
As we reflect on what we can carry into eternity, let’s also consider how we can care for our hearts in the here and now. At Tea of Life Apothecary, we offer a blend called “Matters of the Heart,” created to support emotional well-being. Whether you’re grappling with sadness, grief, heartbreak, or sorrow, this blend is a gentle reminder of God’s comfort and the healing power of nature.
Ingredients: Rose, Hawthorn, Lemon Balm, Spearmint, and Lavender. Each herb was thoughtfully chosen for its soothing and comforting properties, working together to ease emotional burdens and bring peace to the soul.
A Legacy of Love
Ultimately, what we leave behind isn’t wealth or accolades but the impact we have on the lives of others. By prioritizing our relationships and striving to reflect God’s unconditional love, we can create a legacy that transcends this world. Let’s focus on what truly matters: loving deeply, living authentically, and guiding others to a relationship with God that fills every corner of their hearts with peace and joy.
Let’s make it our mission to set an example of faith, love, and compassion, leaving behind the guidance and encouragement our loved ones need to foster their own relationship with God. By doing so, we ensure that one day, we will be reunited in His presence. Since, after all, you can’t take IT with you, but you can take THEM.
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