It’s time to start thinking about the new school year around here. I am keeping my eyes open for used curriculum and so far, I’ve had some success! One thing I have been wanting for quite a while is a laminator. I have a combo printer/copier/scanner which has been a HUGE blessing. But about twice a year, I have to visit Office Depot and get several things laminated.

Well, while shopping for used curricula, I came across a pre-owned, but brand new, laminator! I was able to buy it and a new package of laminating pouches for $25! It’s amazing how much longer school charts and artwork last after they have been laminated.

As soon as I got it, I looked around the house for things to laminate. I had *just* been to Office Depot for my semi-annual laminating session the week before. Fortunately, I was still able to find a few things to laminate.

I have had a cute “For Better or For Worse” cartoon on my fridge for a while.I noticed it was smearing and the edges were folding back. I laminated it, thereby halting the effects of aging! Yes!

I also laminated a devotional that my mom photocopied from Our Daily Bread long ago. It was on her fridge for years, and it’s been on mine for a few years, too! My dad scribbled a note on the back (which makes no sense to me, but I like having his handwriting), which makes it even more special to me. I was so excited to laminate it!

Lastly, I came across this photo of my dad when he was in college, as well as the devotional that I wrote about him which was published in The Baptist Bread in 2009. It’s nice to have these keepsakes made a little more permanent.

I was reminded as I placed these memories into the laminator that nothing on the this earth – no matter how hard we try to preserve it – will last forever. Our lives are like the “vapour…that vanisheth away” (James 4:14). I am grateful for the blessings God has given me, but I want to value spiritual things more than the tangible. It’s hard to do, but I am trying to obey Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

With love,