Matthew 6:19-20
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
When I take our granddaughter, Virginia Rose, home after spending the weekend with us earlier this month, she is crushed to discover that her little sisters, Savannah Jane and Alexandra Nancy, have rifled through her special possessions during her absence. Virginia is so distraught, she actually cries, something this always-smiling child rarely does.
It breaks my heart . . .
When I tell my husband, Danny, about it, he is naturally grieved, as any loving Papa would be. But he has a brilliant solution to the problem. A small chest, which belonged to his mother, is still sitting at her house. Danny decides to bring it here, add a clasp and simple dial lock, and present this treasure box to Virginia on her next visit.
And that's exactly what he does!
Just look at the joy on Virginia's face! Now it's time to teach her how to unlock and lock her box.
Success!!! And Papa's surprise gift of powdered donuts found inside is the icing on the cake.
It's difficult to imagine from these Easter photos that Savannah and Alexandra could ever be anything but angelic.
But don't let those innocent expressions fool you! I am praying these two will outgrow their impish ways when it comes to how they treat their big sister.
But for now, Virginia is all set. Not only does she have something special to remember her Nonna by, but she can also rest assured that her treasures will be kept safe from marauding hands.
~
We know, as Christians, we are not to put our confidence or trust in our worldly treasures; instead, we are to store up treasures in heaven, the place we will one day call home. Yet, how many of us leave our house or go to bed without locking our doors? Do we set an alarm system to ward off would-be thieves? Are our extra-valuable items stored in a safe for added protection?
Common sense dictates, in this day and age, that taking such precautions is natural and necessary. However, when our possessions threaten to possess us, therein is the rub.
So yes, protect your earthly belongings, but set your hearts and minds on the reward in God's Treasure Box: Eternal life!
Amen!
This is a wonderful story to illustrate the meaning of the Bible verse you quoted. What a wonderful chest. It is a treasure in itself. Your grand-daughter will treasure fond memories of you and your husband just by owning it.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all.
Yes, I must admit, it is a beautiful chest, and I'm so happy that Virginia now has something that once belonged to her Nonna to call her own, Victor.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Wonderful lesson Martha! I can only imagine the distraught feeling VR felt when she saw her stuff messed with. I would feel the same way (without the crying). LOL So glad Danny is thoughtful and innovative. And what a wonderful way to remember her Nonna. The spiritual lesson is even more spot on. By the way: powdered donuts don't have icing. Just sayin'. (he says with an impish smirk)
ReplyDeleteBill, those donuts really were powdered, not frosted - lol!
DeleteSo glad you enjoyed the post today, and that the spiritual lesson, the most important part, spoke to your heart. Means so much to me!
Love and blessings!
They sure look like lil angels! Never having had siblings, I've always been averse to sharing. Imagine how violated Virginia must have felt. Betrayed, even. Danny's solution was genius! And no, your lesson was not lost on this reader. Love it!
ReplyDeleteMevely, I think the word "violated" is a perfect description for how Virginia felt. As I had a younger brother, I knew what it meant to share, but there sure were some things of mine I never wanted him to touch! So glad the lesson was not lost on you, my friend. :)
DeleteLove and blessings!
What an excellent gift! Being the oldest of four, I put a lock on my desk to keep my snooping sibs out of my very important and personal stuff. I can relate! The great lesson that storing things here on earth is nothing compared to storing those heavenly treasures!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you could identify with Virginia's predicament, Terri; you do have first-hand knowledge of what she's going through, that's for sure! And yes, storing things on earth will never compare to the treasure that is ours in heaven.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, I remember when my little brother got into my special box when we were kids. The same thing happened with my own sons. It's a terrible feeling! I love seeing how Danny took care of the situation. I also love how you have used this issue (we can all relate to) and connected it to Scripture.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
Thank you, Beckie, for sharing your memory here. Yes, having your "stuff" rummaged through is not a pleasant experience at any age, but especially when we are kids. I love how Danny resolved the problem, too!
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a beautiful gift of healing for her and love for all. She is one blessed young girl!
ReplyDeleteAnd she knows she is, Jean! Virginia is constantly thanking us for every little treat we give her, and this chest had her over the moon with delight.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I love your comparison of storing heavenly treasures as opposed to earthly treasures. I am an only child, but I did have twin girl cousins who were several years younger than me. If I knew ahead that they were coming, I would hide all the important things, but if they came unannounced, it could mean disaster. But thankfully when we store our treasure in heaven, there is no one to tamper with it and it will be intact when we arrive behind it. God bless.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you liked the comparisons made here, Diane, and thanks for sharing your own story, too. Yes, isn't it wonderful to know that all the treasures stored in heaven will never be taken from us.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I love the care and attention that was paid to your granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteShe will cherish it always I am sure, but more importantly she will cherish the fact that Danny listened and responded. I pray that I have the awareness and the heart to respond as he did should the moment arise when my children begin having kids of their own... in the very distant future.
Ryan, I have no doubt that you will be just as responsive and lovingly thoughtful as Danny was here. You definitely have your heart in the right place, my friend!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, This is a great post as always. I appreciate how you paint such vivid word pictures. I'm certain Virginia will always treasure this special gift but especially the giver of the gift!
ReplyDeleteI lost my first comment due to my own error...that's why this is so short. :)
Love and blessings!
Don't worry about short, Kim, it's the message that gets through that counts, and I so value your take on it.
DeleteWhen we visited them today for Savannah's birthday, it was so rewarding to see the chest in tact, and performing what it needs to in order for Virginia to have a modicum of security and privacy.
Love and blessings!
What an awesome Grandpa thing to do! I love it! And that is the perfect Scripture reminder to go with your beautiful story. Thanks, Martha!
ReplyDeleteSo glad this reflection spoke to your heart, Deb! And yes, Danny is a most thoughtful and caring Papa, that's for sure.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a sweet thing for your husband to do! And, yes, you are right, those little girls look like little angels, and it is hard to imagine them being so mischievous! God bless all you in a special way this Lord's Day!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree, Cheryl, that it was such a sweet thing Danny did for Virginia. She is so grateful, too, might I add. :)
DeleteLove and blessings!
My goodness this so touch my heart. This why Grandparents are so important, we can teach love without parenting. Sweet story.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad this touched your heart, Betty! Yes, grandparents have so many unique opportunities to guide and nurture their grandchildren in ways parents can't. What a gift from God!
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a sweet story, Martha. I love how Danny gave his mother's special chest to Virginia Rose. And the analogy to our treasures in heaven is powerful.
ReplyDeleteThank so much, Karen, for your kind words here! I'm so glad, too, that Virginia has a special keepsake to remember her Nonna by. They really grew so close during the time we cared for her here at the house.
DeleteBut yes, we must remember that our true treasures are in heaven.
Love and blessings!