What's your treasure?
Listen, 24 must be the year of humbling revelations! When I find my way, I realize I have habits to unlearn. I also just discovered that women tend to undergo another transformative phase around this age. But that's beside the point today!
God doesn't put something on your heart without reason. I have a newfound love for running to this digital journal to let my thoughts and experiences be public to reach the right person. Ultimately, I want to be chasing Jesus constantly. I will always have so much growing to do, wisdom to gain, and life to experience that it is only fitting to invite everyone for this rollercoaster ride.
A message was shared recently about worship and treasure. And before the point was made, I was excited because the reoccurring theme in my life has been the idea of identity and what I am digesting spiritually. The pastor speaking gave examples of what were once his treasured, most cherished items in life. These examples included buying an edgy guitar during his teenage rock phase - for it to be stolen and gone forever. Or working away for a brand new, shiny car, decked out with every available feature - just for it to be totaled and replaced with something of less charm. It's interesting how we can want something with our whole being. After we get it, we wonder why we wanted this meaningless thing so badly.
What was so special about it? How was it going to solve all of our problems? Then, we go after the next item on our wish list. For instance, I once prayed (begging God) for a job because I thought this was where my purpose was. I felt my occupation would be the only way to serve God or make a spiritual wave. I laugh a little now when I think about how much value I placed on my job upon college graduation. I worked myself into such an anxious fit for no reason at all! I could be two jobs away from my current position in a year, but this was once my treasure! Romanticizing the world leads to the familiar discontentment and constant searching we all endure. It's a cycle of disappointment.
"What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don't they come from the passions that wage war within you? You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and wage war. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and don't receive because you ask with the wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures" (James 4:1-3).
Our frustrations derive from the areas of life where we do not invite God. The situations that have not been surrendered. We can't take our diamond rings or Prada bags into Heaven - but why would we want to? Like my last post, I once treasured the idea of financial wealth, designer labels, exotic locations, carefully posted Instagram pics with numerous likes, boomerang diets to appease beachgoers during spring break, and a self-image that hurt more than it helped. These things I once wanted to accumulate were tearing my spirit down. I'm a Christian, not just a consumer. I've been given life, so why would I idolize things that lead to self-destruction? God's grace and glory are challenging to find in a lifestyle based on greed and aesthetics. Let's face it, Christianity is usually not as polished as the typical influencer's grand narrative, but it is real and everlasting.
I've been carrying this message close to my heart because it's been the perfect reassurance. One of the best parts of being a follower of Christ is seeing how God works in others. I recently attended a concert of one of my favorite Christian groups. It was beautiful to worship alongside so many strangers. I saw people from all walks of life be teary-eyed, surrendering to God. Hearing strangers, with whom all we share is that we live in the same county, admit their need for a Savior was unbelievable. I can hear Chandler Moore belting out Jireh as we speak! It is incredible to witness the people close to you realize that they are loved beyond measure by the Creator of love itself! I also find joy in knowing it is up to me to be at peace or overwhelmed and anxious. What am I choosing to worry about? Dwell on? Focus on wholeheartedly? Do I look forward to things that are eternal and fruitful? Not only can I change my direction, but I can also be a force for others to find their way. We all have a legacy we're creating now to leave behind later - what is yours? A recent Christmas musical with my mom worded it perfectly; your choices make you who you are!
What is your treasure?
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Luke 12:34).
Recent things I am extra grateful for:
Christmas shopping for family. I delight in the challenge of finding the perfect gift for my loved ones! Everyone deserves to be thought of and made to feel special around the holidays.
Thanksgiving feasts. There is nothing better than sitting around delicious food in a room overflowing with love and laughter!
Songs of praise. Some of my favorites that our household keeps on repeat are: Kingdom (Maverick City), Man of Your Word (Maverick City), Jireh (Maverick City), God Really Loves Us (Crowder & Dante Bowe), Nail Scarred Hands (Dante Bowe), Thank You Lord (River Valley Worship), My Life is in Your Hands (Maverick City), The Way The Truth The Life (Celebration Music & Alexander Pappas), Pour Your Spirit Out (Thrive Worship), Fear is Not My Future (Maverick City), Jehova (Ryan Ofei)
A clean home. This might be an obvious one but a clean, cozy space changes my mood instantly!
My husband loving worship music. I have been so proud of his passion when it comes to growing our faith together. We are able to lift one another up in our relationship with God as 1.
Mom’s tapioca. Girl, if you're reading this, keep killing it in the kitchen!
The ability to grow and gain knowledge. I have recently begun learning Spanish and I am so excited!!
Christmas movies are another obvious one. Being raised in a family that takes holiday cheer extremely seriously brings so much nostalgia this time of year! I am so thankful for the traditions my parents kept alive that make this season one that is near and dear to my heart. Also, the Grinch is so much funnier as an adult vs. when I would watch it as a kid!
Long weekends. Need I say more??
DIY projects. Crafting is fun, period.
