Treasure

Sometimes as we are slogging along through life, we begin to think that nothing in our life is affecting those around us - that our life has become so mundane that no one really notices or cares what is going on with us. The truth is that everything we do affects those around us. Whether we choose to be happy or sad, whiny or cheery, angry or even-tempered, complaining or going with the flow, helping or sitting on the side-lines - all is important. Sometimes what we do is up-front and in your face. Sometimes just the peace in your life can be encouraging to others.

The inheritance is in the saints. Such a simple sentence with such deep meaning and value. If we have an inheritance or treasure inside of us, then we need to be sharing that treasure with others. If we think our treasure is nothing important and we sit on it or bury it somewhere for safe keeping, what have we done? Whom have we helped? If you hide your light because you think it is not big enough to be of any use, who will see it? Who can add to your fire if no one knows it is there? Peace, love, joy, patience, understanding, wisdom are good things to share. They are like a cool drink on a hot day. Such simple things can be so important.

This morning I was reading American Soldiers which is a very simple blog about a family with two sons serving in Iraq. The father shares stories of his family and emails from his sons, but it is the closeness of his family and the joys that they share that bring a blessing to the reader. This family is not falling apart or complaining; they are sharing the good stuff.

Preachers today will tell you that giving money is the way to share blessings. Sure, it can be a good thing, but it is not the treasure that most people need. It is not the treasure within us that we can give freely. Monetarily helping others is fine, but I am talking about the day to day living - the choices we make that affects those around us. Isn’t that the real treasure - what is inside us and how we live?

And when someone shares their treasure with you, and you find yourself a little richer because of it, let them know. They will be encouraged to share again and again. Thanks, Dawn, for your encouragement to me. Just when I thought, “what is the point,” you made me see that all is important - even the simple things. Thanks, commenters, for your kind words on my little painting that I almost did not post thinking that it was too simple. Your words were an encouragement to me.

Photo: The road to camp Y'shua in the Wichita Mts - not exactly the Rockies, but enjoyable with their own beauty.