Hidden Treasures

Upon my return from Texas, I went to see Mom. I know she loves getting the latest news about all the family and I use my visual aids (my cell phone's photos) to describe it all. I had lots of photos from Payton's 16th birthday celebrations to show her, that she loved.

She played baseball as a young woman so she got a special joy of hearing about Brennan, our 11 year old's recent game. They were down 4-0 when Brennan was up to bat. It was a full count: 3 balls, 2 strikes, and each strike was a tipped ball. His dad hollered out "Shift your back leg". He did, and WHAM, he hit a homerun over the fence which brought in two who were on bases and his run. I showed her this photo of Brennan's team running out to celebrate with him at home base. Mom loved it. So much so, that she went back to her bedroom and found the photo of herself (on the right), her friend, and her sister, Penny (on the left) in their baseball uniforms. During the war, they worked for Western Steel who had competitive ball teams. Their team's name was "We Steel". Mom's eyes brightened up when she told me about how she made sure her back leg was positioned for her runs and homeruns, sliding into home, and her stretches to catch the balls in outfield. Treasures.

This little shared time with Mom (my mother-in-law) reminded me of the importance of spending time with our loved ones, but not just "time", but giving them the opportunity to remember and share their past. With my own sweet Mom, I would go over and often capture our conversations on video so that my family could hear "her stories" of what school was like for her, their Christmases where they got an apple, an orange and a few nuts in their Christmas stocking (that was all, but big -- in a family of 12), how she and Dad met, how they fell in love, how they made it through tough times. Treasures.

Maybe there is a Mom, Dad, Grandparent, Aunt or Uncle (in your life) that are past the ages of getting out and around like they once did, but I assure you, they are filled with stories and adventures that are just waiting to be heard. Maybe this weekend would be a good time for a planned and unrushed visit to see them and let them share those treasures with you. I promise you, you'll leave with joys inside and they will feel such love from you that you gave them the time to want to know! Live with no regrets. Know those loved ones deeply so they don't leave us with hidden treasures inside that we never found.

Let's Go On A Treasure Hunt

Day 146 of Photo Inspirations -- Let's Go On A Treasure Hunt
I admit it.....I love the notion of finding hidden treasures.  This must be my impedus for doing treasure hunts for my grandkids -- for every birthday since they understood what it was about -- but even before they could read.  The big kids handled the reading of the clues, and quite often, because they could read, they'd head out to the next clue location before the little guys could get there.  Now, we hold back the big kids so the little kids can find the clue.  And once all the clues have been found, they find their hidden treasure -- the wrapped up "treasure" from Nana.

And, we adults totally get caught up in the journey of watching them look here and there, doing their best to understand Nana's methodology, and finally figuring out the clues along the way!   I love their wide eyes of excitement.

The fact is.....we're ALL on a treasure hunt as we journey through life.  God made us for the journey. AND, best of all, He gives us so many clues in His Word to find the hidden treasures.  Every place He says "IF you....." is a CLUE to success.  And when we follow the CLUE to the nth degree, then we are assured of finding the treasure.  Example:  "IF you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the LORD your God will keep his covenant of love with you, as He swore to your forefathers."
Deuteronomy 7:12
"IF you make the Most High your dwelling – even the LORD, who is my refuge – then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent."
Psalm 91:9-10
Jesus said: "IF you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
Matthew 6:14-15

Have you been searching and searching for the key to your success, the open door that leads to prosperity, the matchmaker that brings you your significant other, the magic potion that gives you restored health, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?  Then I urge you, today, to begin searching for the treasures in God's Word.   The Bible is God’s treasure chest where He has so many valuables just waiting for you!