All The Gold We Cannot See
God often teaches me things about myself and Him through my kids. It’s incredibly brilliant on His part and equally humbling on mine.
I had one of those “teaching” moments recently. Maybe this will resonate with you as it did me.
When it comes to my kids, I’ve noticed that whether it’s a piece of candy, pie, a shirt, or even a style of sock. Yes, a STYLE of a sock, they are only dissatisfied once they take their eyes off of what they have.
It can be of the same amount. Same size. Same color. Same flavor. But because they took their eyes off of their treasure, all of a sudden, it appears to be not good enough.
I’ve had the conversation a thousand times with them explaining what they have is the same amount. It’s the same style of sock. It’s just as valuable. Just as important.
Then it hit me.
I do this just as much, if not more than they do. I will take my eyes off of the precious treasure I have and no longer see its value. All because I glanced at someone else’s treasure.
It’s the lie that follows the glance.
Look at their talents, marriage, kids, career, life. And within seconds, the miracle I hold seems worthless. And that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Matthew 5:5 in The Message sums it up perfectly:
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are — no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
I choose to be content with who I am. No more and no less.
I choose not to look to the right or left but straight ahead.
I will run MY race that God has called me to run.
I will see what I have as a miracle — a blessing — more than I deserve.
Do you remember the story of Peter getting out of the boat and walking on water? I realized something when I looked at the story again. Check this out.
Matthew 14:22–30 (The Message)
22–23 As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.
24–26 Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.
27 But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”
28 Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”
29–30 He said, “Come ahead.”
Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”
It says in verse 29–30 that when he looked down, he started to sink. He took his eyes off the One providing the miracle, and only then he began to go under.
In other words, we will begin to see the rare and precious jewels we possess when we fix our eyes on the One who put them in our hands in the first place.
Thanks so much for taking part of your busy day to read this. I hope you feel encouraged, and as you begin to look to God, you see that you carry a gold mine of blessings.
