Second graders love pocketfuls of treasure. Ask me how I know—I now work in a 2nd grade classroom! We will often spend our recesses chasing butterflies, collecting sparkly rocks or beautiful fallen leaves, and putting our treasures in our pockets—well, more than likely my pocket. I’ll often come home after a day with the second graders and realize my pockets contain not just one, two, or three treasures, but often so many more, both from the kids and from my own collection. I’m known to have things in my pockets that I like to hand out randomly, especially cute little stickers.
What we put in our pocket often signifies what we treasure, especially in second grade. My mom often tells a story about how, when she was young, perhaps even in second grade, she was allowed to keep the little tin that came in the cinnamon roll packet. One day, after her family had made cinnamon rolls, she proceeded to pack that little tin with her treasures. I’m sure the treasures were little rocks and buttons, things very similar to what my second graders like to collect. She found herself accidentally spilling the contents of that special little tin in front of a crowd of kids who did not see her treasures the way that she did and ended up making fun of her.
I know what the Bible has said about treasure. Do you remember? “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth” (Matthew 6:19). “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). There’s also a scripture very fitting to the story about my mom as a child: “Neither cast ye your pearls before swine” (Matthew 7:6). Ha ha. But the truth of that—the truth that what we treasure, we hold close—is so true.
Have you had time to collect treasures that God’s been sprinkling on your path lately? Oh, more than likely, they aren’t treasures like my second graders have, but more spiritual treasures, like a kind word from a family member, a smile from a coworker, a prayer from a friend, a random visit from a neighborhood friend, a walk with your dog, a snuggle moment with a child, a coffee chat with a parent.
Each day, God pours out His blessings in different ways for us. Oh, we’d be wise if we would be like the second graders who collect their treasures, put them in their pocket, take them out to look and behold them, and remember how good and special life is.
What are some of the treasures that God sprinkles throughout our day? It could be like what I mentioned before (smile from a friend, chat with a parent, etc.). It also can be things like:
- His peace — John 14:27 (NIV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” - His presence — Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” - His unending, unconditional love — Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” - His promises — 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” - His Word — Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
May we take time this week to collect the treasures God sends us in our ordinary days.
What are your pockets full of this week?
Lord, thank You for the treasures You sprinkle throughout our ordinary days. Help us slow down enough to notice them, collect them, and hold them close. Thank You for Your peace, Your presence, Your love, Your promises, and Your Word. May we be like those second graders, delighted by the little things and eager to share what we’ve found. Fill our pockets with reminders of Your goodness this week. Help us treasure them and be reminded of your love and great plan for our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Until next time,
