I was putting my house back in order following an afternoon of keeping my three-year-old grandson, when I discovered his jacket in a chair. I picked it up and frowned at the heavy weight. Then I noticed an ear of corn protruding from the pocket and laughed. My fingers dug into the depths of the pouch and pricked my finger. “Ouch,” I cried and pulled out a turkey feather. I remembered my grandson’s cry of delight when he had discovered the plume on the walking trail. He had snatched it up and examined every strand on the spine. Then he ran the black wisp across the bridge of his nose and smelled. I smiled as I recalled his study of the simple turkey feather.
My investigation of the recesses of the pocket also disclosed two soybean pods along with hickory nuts and acorns. The most surprising find was a single cone-flower that should have been destroyed by the early frost.
I gathered up his treasure in a plastic bag and placed it inside his barn where I found shelled corn his miniature wagon, hitched to his pocket-sized tractor.
I sighed as I remembered the time when my son had played with these tiny toys. I regret that I can recall few Sunday afternoons when I took the time to walk the woodland path behind our house with my children. I was too busy with housework that had piled up during the week, planning meals, or organizing the calendar for our many scheduled activities. We used to have a dog who would run in circles chasing her tail. Around and around she would go at a dizzy pace. That was my life.
I realize my mistake of chasing after things that were not important. And I will not spend precious time mourning the loss of moments I cannot reclaim. Instead, I will be thankful for learning the lesson to take the time to collect treasure: sweet memories of time spent with people I love, and serving the Lord.
As you reflect upon today’s pursuits, what one memory stands out as a treasure? If you can’t recall a precious moment, then I hope you’ll be intent on creating one for yourself tomorrow. My hope for you is a better future, a future filled with treasure that will not fade.
This is a sweet, touching story.
I love this!