TREASURE UNCOVERED.

As I had lost the little brooch, which was a gift from my husband for a special wedding anniversary, I began my search for the treasure. It was not because of price or size, but for the love it expressed.

I prayed very simply, ‘Lord, You know about my brooch. I trust you to help me find it.’ But nothing happened. That was ten months ago.

At each side of our bed stands a small table with a drawer. Although originally tidy, mine was now stuffed with photos., pens, envelopes, postcards, letters, notebooks, name tags, and rusty paper clips, etc.

During the hot summer, I enjoyed watching the tennis in a cool room. So, on this particular day I decided to tidy the drawer, also with an eye to the tennis.

I tossed out papers , the rusty paper clips, sifted through photos., used stamps, envelopes, and notes. I was about to throw out an old note-book, when I noticed a tiny safety-pin hanging from the spiral cover. As I opened the book I discovered the brooch inside, and wondered how it lurked in such an unlikely place. Relieved, I thanked the Lord for the discovery. But how it came to be amongst all that clutter I do not know.

However, while I was so delighted with the surprise find, I felt somewhat guilty. Over ten months I progressively filled that drawer with unnecessary bits and pieces that I should have discarded long ago. How foolish of me to wait so long to dispose of the rubbish, and deny myself the pleasure of wearing that loving gift on special occasions.

I remembered how Paul wrote ‘Throw off everything that hinders, and the sin (rubbish) that so easily entangles and clutters, and run with perseverance the race marked out for us.’ The only possible way is to concentrate on the Lord Jesus , and obey His Word, which enables us to discern treasure from trash in our character and habits.

Our christian life expresses God’s love and grace through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. I am responsible to tidy the drawers of my life, and eliminate all that dishonours God.

The author of the Hebrew letter challenges us to drink the ’milk of scripture and to progress to the meat of God’s Word.’ He writes, ’Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.’ ( Hebrews 5:14 )

Wise advice - with God-honouring results and personal blessing.