Treasures

Treasure is defined as finding value in a person or thing. It is a possession that is greatly cherished. Matthew 6:19 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” This verse should make us wonder about where, what, and how we put our values in treasures.

Recently, I was having a conversation with a friend, and we discussed how age changes our perspectives; how our desires differ; and how we define the value in treasures. We reminisced about our younger years and how treasures were classified according to their monetary value. Believe me when I say we are thankful for the wisdom that comes with age! Have you thought about the values placed on your treasures? When you think about your treasures, who or what has made them meaningful? Have we put more value in things and other people and never put value in God? We have been given the following instructions in 1 Timothy 6:17, “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.”

One of my favorite treasures is a wooden cross that was given to me as a Christmas present by my principal. The cross is made from wood from an old house that was built in the 1800s. It is the original wood with rusty nails. Now some may wonder why this wooden cross is a treasure. I considered this gift heartfelt and so appropriate for me. It was representative of who I am and what I believe, and the fact that my principal recognized that made the gift more meaningful. This cross hangs in my dining room and serves as a reminder of the thoughtfulness behind the gift, as well as, the symbolism of its meaning. “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.“

Some of my greatest treasures are my relationships with people. I have learned that time waits for no one, and we need to tell and show others that we love and appreciate them now. My mother is my greatest treasure. She can always look at me and know what I am thinking in any situation. We used to laugh because most of the time we were thinking the same thing. One of the greatest gifts that my mother has are the little nuggets of wisdom that are buried in her humor. The woman has a suitcase of cliches that I hear myself saying to others. Her repertoire  consists of  “All that glitters isn’t gold,” “You can’t always let the left hand know what the right hand is doing,” and “I can show you better than I can tell you.” My mother may not say anything in some instances, but the woman never lets anything escape her. And with her cliches, there is the twinkle in her eye and a wink that makes a full treasure chest of memories and laughter.

Having recently lost a former roommate and friend, I am more aware of the people in my life and the importance of nurturing those friendships. I never want to look back in retrospect and wish about the things I should have said or the actions that I wish I had taken. As an educator, I have maintained friendships with former students over the years. These relationships are priceless.

Last night I had dinner with a young lady that sat in my English II Honors class in 2004. She made quite the impression from the very beginning. When I checked attendance, most students answered, “Here,” but not this student. She answered, “Present, ma’am!” I looked up and asked who had just answered. In the back of my classroom, a perky blonde with a beautiful smile waved at me. At the time I did not realize that I had a connection to this student. It wasn’t until Open House that I realized that I had been friends with her dad before she was born. I am not sure if she ever understood that her dad had asked me to watch out for her. That job was easy enough because she was very involved and very visible. Since the graduation of her class, we have both realized that life does not always go according to plan. I have watched this student deal with pain, loss, and lack of self-love, but I have also listened as she has fought her way back to self-care. This student is now my friend and a great treasure to me because our relationship is very humorous and honest. It doesn’t matter how much time passes before we see each other because she knows that I have always had unconditional love for her. I am very appreciative to have this gem in my life.

I have a circle of friends, a community, that are comrades in arms, prayer warriors, encouragers, entertainers, listeners, and advisors. Not every person is blessed to have groups of friends that are an integral part of their lives. My treasure chest is full of women that are doing life together through the good, the bad, the funny, the serious, and the ugly. Having this community reminds me of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”  Take time to inventory your treasures and remember “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21).

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