A couple of weeks ago I watched my dog, Bentley, bury two of his bones. These were his treasures, and yet he buried them. I chuckled as I watched him use his stubby nose to carefully push the dirt into place, just so. Finally, satisfied that his treasures were safe, he trotted away.
I thought, how silly. What good would his bones do him buried beneath the dirt? He could no longer chew on them or throw them into the air and chase after them. They were no longer a pleasure to him.
God shares his wisdom with us through ordinary events of life. My dog and his bones were a lesson for me and I hope for you.
Do we bury our treasures--Use our good china only for special occasions? Or do we save our favorite clothes for important outings? What about spiritual gifts of encouragement, serving or teaching? Do we keep them to ourselves? Or natural gifts like music or art? Do we hide them from others and keep them for our eyes and ears only?
Treasures are to be enjoyed and shared. I'm reminded of the parable in Matthew 25 about the man who entrusted money to his servants. Two of the servants put the money to good use, but one decided to play it safe, and he dug a hole and buried the money. He was afraid and did nothing with what his master had given him.
Just like that man we are given much--possessions, spiritual gifts, and natural talents. These can and should be used to the glory of God. Is there something preventing us from giving back to Him? Are we afraid? Is it possible we're unable to grasp how much God has done for us and lack gratitude?
I've suffered from these shortcomings. The days when I refuse to share God's gifts life is dry and empty. He wants more for you and I. Giving of ourselves always has praiseworthy returns. Enjoy what God has supplied and offer money, gifts and talents back to the Kingdom. The experience creates a well of joy. Let us light up the Kingdom of glory so others can see The King.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
Hiya Bonnie, The older I get the more I realise what is valuable in life. I am one of those who likes everything in place. Ray is messy. I didn't like the dog in the house, Ray does, so I have got used to it. And I love the little fellow around. I guess instead of being such a Martha, having everthing right its better to be a Mary and enjoy...I'm learning. Have a wonderful happy Christmas. xxx
ReplyDeleteHello, Crystal Mary.
ReplyDeleteYou have a name that sounds like Christmas chimes and it's wonderful hear that you're at the feet of Jesus, seeking what's truly valuable.
Merry, Mary Christmas!
First things first - Bentley is adorable. I've had dogs all my life but I've never had a digger or a dog who buried anything so I chuckled at your Bentley story. Love the tie in with Matt 25 and, as usual, you've left me pondering. There are definitely some talents and gifts that I bury 'to keep safe for another day'. But that's motivated by fear and insecurity. Silly, isn't it? When they are God-given in the first place. Ah -- I have soooooo much to learn. Thanks for the prompt. :-)
ReplyDeleteKav, Bentley is adorable. But last night he nearly lost his life. He's just seven months old and full of vinegar still. We have our covered patio decorated for Chritmas with our tree outdoors this year. He got ahold of the string of lights on the tree and the ones that line the top of the patio and destroyed them. He had a good time. We weren't pleased, to put it mildly.
ReplyDeleteAnd pondering is good. You'll find your way--God will show you. He provides a lamp unto our feet and light for our path. So today we can see clearly and we can also see where we're heading. He'll help us overcome our fears--just need to give them to Him. I have trouble with that. But I'm working on it.
And the learning never ends. That's one of the things that makes our journey so intersting.
Have a blessed Christmas.