The Jewel
of Discovery
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
(Matthew 6:21, NKJV).
Treasure
hunters hack through jungles, climb mountains and dive into oceans to uncover
vast fortunes. Priceless works of art and valuable antiques have been
discovered at yard sales, thrift stores and in dusty attics. But sometimes,
treasure is found where we least expect, even when we are not looking for it.
I never
imagined this could happen to me, especially on that ordinary winter afternoon
in the foothills of Maryland's mountains, where our cozy home was tucked away.
Like thousands of days before, I'd just prepared supper for our family of five,
then sat at the kitchen table while I waited for my husband to return from
work. Taking a moment to watch peaceful snow falling outside our picture
window, I breathed-in the aroma of food simmering on the stove and listened to
my children playing in another room.
Soon, I
caught a welcome glimpse of Dan's car pulling into the driveway. Our front door
opened and closed. After Dan stomped the snow from his shoes, his footsteps
approached.
Entering
the kitchen, he brushed my cheek with a kiss on which snowflakes lingered. He
placed an old, clothbound book on the table.
"I
stopped at a rummage sale and picked this up," he said. "It's the
great Christian classic, Pilgrim's Progress written by John Bunyan, a preacher
in 17th century England. The book is an allegory, which follows the central
character, Christian's, journey through this life to the next. I thought you
might want to read it."
Ever
the bargain lover, Dan stood tall and smiled. "I bought this copy for only
ten-cents."
After
Dan went to greet the children, I opened the book and flipped through its
yellowed pages. They gave off a musty smell, as if this classic work had been
stored in an attic and forgotten for decades. Back then, I never imagined that
I had just opened a door to an everlasting treasure of the heart. Nor could I
have imagined that God has such a treasure prepared for me, or that every
person has the same, if we will but believe.
This
can be compared to a treasure chest overflowing with gold coins, rubies,
diamonds, emeralds and so much more. The hinges squeal as we crack open the lid
and peek inside.
Custom-made
to each heart and individual calling, the jewels offer glimpses of realities
that this world's trials and even the grave can never take away. The following
pages offer steps in a thrilling journey that spans eternity. Will you come
along to discover the wonders God has for you?
It all
begins with a prayer, "Lord, open my eyes."
Let us
extend our hearts and reach for the first jewel.
PEARL
TO PONDER: What does "a treasure of the heart" mean to you?
LOVE
NUGGET: God gives treasures to those He treasures. "You will be my
treasured possession."[i]
[i] Exodus 19:5, NIVOpen the pages to discover your treasure.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_
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