Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Treasure…

In the closet under the stairs is a box full of treasure.

No one would guess that a plastic storage box is really a treasure chest.

When I’m dead and gone and my children and grandchildren sift through all my worldly goods, I hope they don’t pass it by for it’s humble appearance.

Inside they will find yellowed pages and bulging journals, the treasure maps of a sojourner stumbling her way through this life, seeking the Kingdom where lies eternal treasure that moth and rust can’t touch.

I hope they’re not disappointed that I’m not leaving them more of this world’s gold.

I hope when they stumble upon the tear stained pages filled with prayers for them, filled with God’s promises for them, that they realize this was the best inheritance I could give.

I hope when they read the cries of a young mama who needed Wisdom from Above to know how to be a mama, that they realize His help, His wisdom, made all the difference.

I hope when they read the pages with scribbling about my doubts and fears, hurts and anger, disappointment and frustration, that they don’t stop there, that they keep reading long enough to realize I kept walking through the slough of despair and came out on the other side, came out and stood on Solid Rock by His grace, only by His grace.

I hope they understand that mixed with the words describing ordinary days, and the highs and lows of an ordinary life, are prayers and promises and communication back and forth between me and an Extraordinary God.  I hope they understand the inseparable weaving of the threads of the natural and the Supernatural in the life of a Jesus follower.  I hope they know, beyond a shadow of doubt, that this mortal has put on immortality, and that I am forever with the One I love, and that their hearts burn with twice the passion for Him as mine.

When I’m dead and gone, tell my children and grandchildren that in the closet under the stairs is a box full of treasure, the pages of my life.

Still following,

Elizabeth

16 comments:

  1. I loved this. I hope there are print of your pictures there, as well. Such beauty, such a treasure.

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  2. That will indeed be a box of treasures to them one day, as it is now, unbeknownst to them...

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  3. awesome, i love that!! far better than gold anyday! :)

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  4. This is so lovely, Elizabeth. I have found in my life that it is hard to know my parents' hearts, even though I long to. So I think your gift is an extraordinary one!

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  5. And what beautiful pages they will be to read. Blessings!

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  6. What better inheritance could you leave them? A map of the journey you took and clues to let them know how to follow!
    ~Adrienne~

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  7. Sounds like your plastic storage box is the best gift you could possibly leave. What a legacy to treasure - those pages and lessons are worth far more than any possession.

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  8. Beautiful post, Elizabeth. What a wonderful gift you'll be leaving you loved ones.

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  9. What a wonderful gift for your girls and grandchildren. I can't imagine a better inheritance.

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  10. Such an inheritance is far better than gold!

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  11. I have kept a journal for years and it is a treasure that I hope my children will enjoy someday. Perhaps when they are or my grandchildren have a problem that some story about my faith will help their faith.
    I really enjoyed reading your lovely post today.
    I just dropped by; but will return again.
    Here is my link:
    Living Waters by LeAnn
    http://lgwilliams.blogspot.com

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  12. I hope when they stumble upon the tear stained pages filled with prayers for them, filled with God’s promises for them, that they realize this was the best inheritance I could give.


    oh friend, they will... you are such a gift. i've never met you officially, yet even i can recognize this. how much more they will know.

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  13. This is a beautiful post. I am sure that one day they will call it treasure for certain.

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  14. This is beautiful. I have journals, too, and could identify very much with your post. Words shared of a life seeking God-- more precious than any gold you could leave behind.

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  15. What a great treasure to leave your children and grandchildren. A look into Mom's heart and how much each of them meant to you and how God changed and molded you into His vessel. Love this post.

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