Buried Treasure
Public Domain Photo
One Wednesday morning many years ago, my life felt like a giant landfill. The holidays were upon me and everywhere I looked lay bags of trash. Finances. Career. Marriage. Relationships. Nothing seemed to work. I was exhausted, frustrated, and angry!
To get away from the pain and confusion––at least for a day––I ran off to the mountains with some hiking friends. A good workout was just what I needed to gain some perspective.
After the first hour on the trail I could barely stand up. The rough patch of road went up and down like a roller coaster and we lost ground almost as quickly as we gained it. “Not sure I can go on,” I called. Others echoed my viewpoint.
Hal, one of the stronger hikers charged ahead and then turned and shouted, “Come on. The real treasure is up here. You’ve got to see this view.” His enthusiasm caught my attention. I plowed ahead.
What a sight it was. Treasures as far as the eye could see. Beautiful peaks poked above the clouds, tall trees and flowering shrubs dotted the hillsides, and small lakes and streams sparkled in the sun. Hal was right. And to think I almost missed these gifts, all because I was so ‘weary and heavy-laden.’ I came home that day a different person, ready to face my problems with a new and higher point of view.
Could it be that what I saw as trash God saw as ‘buried treasure’? I couldn’t wait to find out.
On Christmas Day I felt a new sparkle within as I focused on giving glory to God and serving others instead of rehearsing my woes–which soon gave way to God’s solutions when I let go of them.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9, NIV.
Karen what an inspiring story. That photo is so gorgeous. Your article certainly gives God and encourages us to keep our eyes on Him instead of our circumstances. Thank you for your heart for writing. God bless you.
Thank you, Sandy. One thing I know about you–your eyes are always on Jesus.
I love you perspective, you said it so perfectly. We all need to take the long view. I often quote that verse when thinking of heaven. God has given us so much beauty here on earth, what must heave be like? Blessed Christmas to you Karen!
And a blessed Christmas to you, Etta Mae. I look forward to connecting with you in the new year.
Amen and Amen!
God’s plan A for us is always on his mind; he is never surprised by circumstances!
You are so right, Lynn. We can always trust him–no matter what.
Oh, how true, how true! It is so easy to get “down in the dumps” and feel so ‘lost’ and all it takes is one person to help us to get out but of course we have to accept their invitation like YOU did! My daily angel calendar’s words for yesterday were: “To feel the fullness of our faith, sometimes we must know the feeling of emptiness for a while” I like that and believe it!
Thanks for giving me more “food for thought” !
Love, Margaret
I love that quote from your daily calendar. I will remember that one for a long time.
Karen, now you’ve done it…you’ve motivated me to avoid missing my views in 2017!
Thanks for helping me see ahead. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Smiles, BRC
Thanks, Beth. I love hearing that you are going to be looking for the great views in 2017.