This has been a summer for simple pleasures. For example, in July, all of our kids and grandkids were in town, together, for a couple days. Hearing the adult kids’ voices and laughter was music to my ears. When we explored the Gorge Trail, it was refreshing to see the little ones’ eyes widen when they saw the fast-moving Cuyahoga River. We cheered for them when they managed to climb onto massive rocks. We stooped down with them to study cool-looking mushrooms. Then, after their visit, one of my dear friends invited me to go kayaking with her. We enjoyed a happy afternoon together paddling those kayaks around a beautiful lake.
I savor these kinds of activities; they let us cherish time with each other and the natural wonders God created out of His immense love for us.
This appreciation is something money can’t buy. Christ warns against letting the stuff we own give us a false sense of security and get in the way of our relationship with Him. He reminds us to trust Him, and to accumulate riches that have lasting value – that will bring us closer to each other and to Him.
What are some of these lasting treasures?
Experiences, for one. When you share your time, talents, the things you own, or a meal with the people you love, the happy memories you create and the loving bonds you strengthen are more valuable than any tangible item.
What else has lasting value? Your friendly phone call or visit to someone who needs a listening ear. Your generosity when you donate something of value to a cause you care about. Your kindness when you hold a garage sale and give the proceeds to a local charity. Your prayer time, whether at home, in church, in your car, or anywhere. Your love when you teach your child to pray. Your patience when you teach them to count or play a game. The treasure you give to school kids when you lead a club, coach a team, or help them learn to read. The love you give by listening to someone whose viewpoint is different from yours. The respect you show in your friendly gestures toward the school janitor, delivery person, or trash collector. The peace you give, and receive, when you forgive someone. The joy you bring when you share your talents; I and the beautiful women in our a cappella group see this first-hand when we sing for others and look out at their smiling faces.
Let’s treasure time together, and accumulate treasures that last.
“Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” – Luke 12:32-34
“Lord, help me seek treasures that will last forever.”
Thank you for reading my reflection. © 2024 Gina Bedell Comments are always welcome!
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P.S.
Pray for peace at home, in Ukraine, Russia, the Middle East, and around the world. Donate toward a cause that tugs at your heart. Take care of those around you; take care of our planet. Pray for the families around the globe whose lives have been torn apart by war and natural disasters.
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