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.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

~ Matthew 6:19–21

People talk a lot about strength training—the more you can lift, the stronger you become. Strength training, they say, prevents injury and helps us live longer. 

But there is another kind of strength training that Jesus has been teaching me through this season of change. 

Dave and I are in the middle of giving away everything we own, as we move to Canada after twenty-five years on mission in Asia. Now that takes strength; a strength that I don’t think we would have today, if not for the training that God has taken us through over the years. That strength comes from decades of learning to practice radical generosity—loosening our grip on furniture, possessions, and material comfort.

For me, the training started in my childhood. I’m grateful for what my mother taught me, as a struggling single mom—again and again, I watched her give away the things she loved in order to bless others. This was her legacy to me, and now it is mine, to pass on. I get to teach my children and grandchildren what truly matters most. 

Not things. Not impressing the neighbors. But love; the radical, generous love of our God, who gave everything away, to save us.

Goodbye, sofa. 

Dave and Louise have been in Canada two months now, enjoying being “Canadian” again. Dave is adjusting to being retired and Louise is enjoying connecting with her team in Asia online from Ontario. She will be travelling back for future training and connecting with leaders.