Shells on the Beach

We just returned home from a camping trip to the beach. It was a wonderful time. We were able to enjoy our children with no distractions and simplify our lives for three days.

One of my favorite times was the second day when we went down to the water. My twins sons ran all over the beach filling their buckets and pockets with rocks and bits of broken shells. Small pieces that most would pass by without a second glance became priceless treasures to these two four year old boys.

I have found in the years since becoming a mother that my children teach me man things. This was no exception. I found a life lesson amonst their shells and rocks. How often do I cling tightly to a treasure that is really worthless? How many times is my priceless gem really a broken bit of shell? No value, no worth. My eyes are blinded to the truth simply because I like what I see. And how often does God have something better?

Like my children I choose to seek treasures of little value instead of focusing on the greatest treasure. My children have an excuse. They are children. It is cute and sweet to watch them carefully select their treasures even though we know they hold no worth. It is not so cute to watch an adult run after fool's gold when the real thing is in the opposite direction. In fact, it can be devestating.

Are you chasing fool's gold right now? Have you chased bits of broken shells and worthless rocks while a treasure of great value should be occupying your attention? Why do we choose the mundane when we could set our sights on beauty and fullfillment beyond imagination? I challenge you today, as I challenge myself, to set aside what we cling to in order to grasp the treasure that is waiting.