“Late in the evening of April 14, 1912, the unsinkable ocean liner Titanic struck an iceberg and sank to the bottom of the sea, claiming the lives of 1,523 of the 2,228 men, women, and children aboard. Survivor stories provide a wealth of information about what took place during the last few minutes of the ill-fated ship’s journey, and these tales are peppered with heroism and selfishness, wisdom, and folly.
 
Among the many wealthy passengers sailing on Titanic’s maiden voyage was Major Arthur Godfrey Peuchen, who survived while 11 other millionaires died. Peuchen remembered returning to his stateroom and stuffing three oranges in his pockets as the ship was being evacuated. He left cash, securities, and jewelry worth more than $300,000—but he took three oranges.

*In the cataclysmic last moments of Titanic’s voyage, Peuchen saw with great clarity the difference between essentials and nonessentials. He chose to carry with him the basics —just three oranges— knowing that they could provide life to him or for someone else while they were waiting to be rescued.”
 
*Marshall Everett, ed., Wreck and Sinking of the Titanic: The Ocean’s Greatest Disaster (L. H. Walter, 1912), p. 106.

While reading this my thoughts inventoried my living room where I sat with my morning coffee. I have a lot of STUFF! Items brought back from mission trips, vacations, family times & purchases made just because!!! 

Would I be willing to leave all behind if I had to “go” quickly? I don’t know? I surely hope so!! One thing I did realize I have to leave room in my heart, my pockets for what He wants me to carry! He wants me to carry His love, His peace, and His presence…not STUFF!

My prayer, my hope as I reach into any pocket may I be reminded to fill it with stuff that truly matters!!!