Prioritizing What Matters: Backpacks and a Texas-Sized Fire

It was the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, 2011. For most, it marked the end of summer—school had already started, but this weekend would be a last hurrah of picnics, swimming, and celebrations.

In central Texas, where we were at the time, summer had overstayed its welcome. There was historic drought and relentless 100-degree temperatures for 90 days. Burn bans were in effect and if there were windy conditions, everyone needed to be on high alert.

We are used to dry summers like these, but this one felt different. Small fires had popped up across the region all summer, kept under control thanks to alert neighbors and hardworking firefighters. As Labor Day weekend approached, we were ready for an end to a brutal season.

But it didn’t happen.

A view of a winding road leading toward a neighborhood, with large plumes of smoke from a wildfire rising in the background. — *^{The quickly spreading fire, ten miles from our home.}*

Three major wildfires erupted during the weekend, fed by the multitude of dry brush and grasses because of the drought. One fire was just ten miles from our home. The largest, in Bastrop, Texas, roared through a forest of the historic, majestic pine trees, and destroyed many homes. Firefighters worked around the clock, but it was difficult to restrict the fiery spread as embers flew from tree to tree because of uncooperative winds.

A highway scene in Texas with several vehicles on the road, leading towards a large billowing cloud of smoke from wildfires in the background, alongside roadside signs and an American flag. — *^{News photo of the major fire in Bastrop, Texas}*

Then we heard the word: our neighborhood was put on standby for evacuation. One shift of the wind could change the course of the fire, and our entire neighborhood.

Preparations began: we packed suitcases of family clothing, located important documents and the first aid kit, took photos for insurance purposes, and readied a cooler for snacks and drinks. Our boys, 14 and 8 years at the time, were directed to fill their backpacks with schoolwork, toiletries, and whatever else would fit that they couldn’t bear to leave behind.

As I checked my youngest son’s backpack before putting it in the van, I expected to see his Nintendo DS along with his schoolwork. Instead, he had stuffed in a precious stuffed animal.

It struck me: When facing a crisis, priorities change quickly. What once seemed important suddenly didn’t matter all.

Thankfully, the weekend ended without an evacuation. But others did. Many lost everything. And we were reminded of a hard but valuable truth: possessions are temporary.

Jesus reminds us of this:

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy
and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)

Things can be taken in an instant—by fire, theft, or time. That’s not to say we can’t enjoy what we have, but we’re called to be good stewards of our resources. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” Jesus also asks in Luke 16:11, “Who will entrust to you the true riches (of heaven)?”

In The Treasure Principle, author Randy Alcorn explains it this way:

“Nothing makes a journey more difficult than a heavy backpack filled with nice but unnecessary things. Pilgrims travel light.”

One way we store up treasure in heaven is by giving to others. It doesn’t require grand gestures. Small acts—an encouraging note, a thoughtful meal, or a simple kindness—can carry eternal impact. Acorn writes: “The act of giving is a vivid reminder that it’s all about God, not about us.”

So what’s in your backpack?

Are you weighed down by things that don’t matter, or are you traveling light—ready to go where God leads, with open hands and an open heart?

Journaling Prompt:
What are the “treasures” I’ve been clinging to lately—material, emotional, or even spiritual—that might be weighing me down? What can I release or give away in order to travel lighter and trust God more fully?

A silhouette of two hikers standing on a mountain peak overlooking a valley, with inspiring text overlay about the act of giving and traveling light.

Disclosures: Scriptures marked ESV are taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION (ESV): Scriptures taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION ® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. News information taken from CBS News, KVUE News, National Weather Service