"For where your treasure is there will your heart be also." - Matthew 6:21
The treasure hunter above was up at sunrise at Waikiki, searching tirelessly on the beach for what he could find to claim as his own. So many people search in vain for material things to bring them happiness; a fleeting happiness that, as time goes on, needs to be replaced by something newer, shinier, fancier, to fill a void they find in their soul. It reminds me of that hymn by Marty Haugen, "Where Your Treasure Is".....where it says, "All that you possess will never set you free. Seek the things that last; come and learn from me." There is nothing wrong with nice possessions, just don't let them possess you.
There are many things that I have treasured over the years. Of course we all treasure our children and grandchildren, and that is well and good. But I went to the excess to find something fulfilling to fill the void .....at one point I had over 100 African Violets, not to mention over 50 rose bushes and several persian cats. I had a full time job and also painted every spare minute and attended various art shows. All of this going on at the same time. I get tired now just thinking about all that !
Let me share with you some things I still treasure, but now in moderation.
Frosty Cherry Russian African Violet
Orchids
Fall Foliage
Sunsets and the ocean
Wildlife and beautiful birds
Beautiful Scenery
This is Hanalei Valley on Kauai, Hawaii
We all treasure things such as these. I am drawn to beautiful things found in nature. And of course I derive much pleasure from photography and my painting. But these things do not have control of me like they used to. I have found not just the temporary happiness through material things or selfish pursuits, but true joy and peace and contentment from the good Lord. Isaiah 33:6b says "....the fear of the LORD is his treasure."
I say all of that because this world we live in is not the same as it was even 20 years ago. There is uncertainty about the future and fear in people's hearts. We need something true to hang on to; something - Someone- we can trust and rely upon. Let's keep looking up !
Below is a photograph (not mine) for humor :
