The crash of the waves and the smell of the salt air filled Renee’s senses. She leaned back in her beach chair, her sister Rachel at her side.

            “I can’t believe how long the kids have been working on that sand castle,” Renee said.

            “I know,” Rachel said. “They’re going to be heartbroken soon. The tide is coming in fast.”

            “It will be interesting to see how they react.” Renee reached into her bag of grapes and popped a few in her mouth. “I’m just grateful for this time together. The cousins are getting along beautifully. Jim and Tom are enjoying their fishing time, and you and I finally get five minutes to relax and chat.”

            Rachel grinned at her. “I needed some time to sit after jumping waves with the twins earlier. It’s exhausting.”

            “I know, right? Even when I’m not swimming with them, I need to be right there with them to make sure they won’t drown. Now with them 10 feet away, we can keep an eye on them and know they’re safe.”

            “They’re physically safe, but I’m telling you, there will be a meltdown when that sandcastle gets hit with the first wave.” Rachel took a sip from her water bottle and readjusted her umbrella. “How are things going with the house?”

            Renee grimaced. “We took this vacation to get away from the house. It’s so much work trying to modernize that place. It takes every spare minute I have. I’ve been working so hard to make it perfect.”
            “It’s a beautiful house,” Rachel said. “I’m not even sure what more there is to be done.”

            “It has potential, but it’s not there yet. I still have 6 rooms to overhaul. New carpet, paint, furniture…”

            “Seems like an awful lot of work for a house.”

            “It’s our home. It’s going to last forever. Of course we’re going to put a lot of effort into it.”

            The two sisters continued to watch the progress on the sandcastle as the water grew closer. Ella decorated the edges of the castle with seashells and seaweed, while Michael continued to build more towers. Within a few minutes, the first wave lapped the edges of the castle. Kristina shrieked as the water soaked her bottom.

            “Oh no, the water is coming!” Jimmy cried.

            Michael sprang into action, digging a moat around the front of the castle. Soon the others joined in, and a cooperative effort to divert the water began. All four children contributed to digging a trench in front of the sandcastle. When the next wave came, the water dipped down into the moat and spared the sandcastle. The children cheered, and continued digging the moat deeper.  While Kristina and Michael kept working to divert the water, Ella and Jimmy put finishing touches on the castle and walls.

            “You know, I can’t help thinking there’s a lesson in all of this,” Rachel said.

            “Of course you would think that. You never turn off your teacher brain for a minute, do you?” Renee teased.

            “Nonsense. It’s the summer. Teaching is the last thing on my mind. But do you realize what the kids are doing?”

            Putting a lot of effort into something temporary?” Renee suggested.

            “That’s right. They’re working so hard on something the waves will erase in a matter of minutes.”

            “Are you trying to tell me I’m doing the same thing? Our house is certainly more stable than a sandcastle.”

            “Yes, but everything in this life is temporary. Invest that time into something that matters. Sure, you want to make your house nice to live in, but it will one day be gone, just like the kids’ sandcastle. Make sure you’re investing your resources into something that will last.”

            “You may be on to something,” Renee said. “Do you know what my daily Bible verse was this morning?”

            “Tell me.”

“1 Timothy 6:7-8. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that,” Renee quoted. “I guess God’s trying to tell me to take a step back from all we’re doing with the house. Thanks for the words of wisdom.”
            “What are big sisters for?” Rachel asked. “Should we help them?”

            Renee grinned. “Sure. The sandcastle may be temporary, but the kids will always remember us spending quality time with them.”

The two sisters left their chairs and joined the kids, digging a bigger moat in front of the castle. They were rewarded with smiles and giggles as they worked together to save the sandcastle.

Matthew 6:19-21

 “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.”

Dear God, thank You for the lessons You give us, often through the simplest of ways. Help us spend our time and resources on efforts which will make an eternal difference. As Timothy said, we can’t take anything out of this world with us. Our careers, our cars, our houses, and other pursuits will all be left behind. All we can take with us to heaven is other people. Please help us focus our efforts on bringing other to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.