"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." —Matthew 6:19–20

Years ago, when I served as a pastor in the Houston area, it was an honor and privilege to minister to families and friends who had lost loved ones and were experiencing a time of grief. During these occasions, I found myself conversing with funeral directors and looking at their caskets of varying sizes and styles.

Once, I came across a particularly dignified casket and asked, out of curiosity, "How long will this one last?" "It will last a long, long time!" replied the funeral home director, emphasizing the word "long."

Months later, I was in another funeral home and again saw many caskets. Among them, my attention was drawn to a particularly exquisite one. I couldn't resist asking the funeral director, "How long will this one last?" To my surprise, he replied, "It will last a long, long time!" using the exact same words as the previous funeral home director.

How long is a long, long time? I asked myself. I knew for sure nothing on this earth lasts forever, no matter how long some things may last—great wealth, high positions, youthful bodies, or beautiful caskets. Thinking about this prompted me to ask a follow-up question: What else then lasts beyond time? I could not find any answer that satisfied me, except within the Scripture, which spoke to me powerfully:

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." —2 Corinthians 4:18

This Holy Week, let us find time to reflect on what truly matters and endures beyond the temporary and fleeting things of this world. May this week bring us renewed clarity, purpose, and commitment to living a life that is grounded in our deepest values and beliefs. Have a blessed Easter!