The measure of treasure

I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation. ‘Surely God has no problem with me having pots of money; after all, the streets of heaven are paved with gold, aren’t they?’ The response to this comment got me thinking; ‘The streets are made of gold, dear friend, not because of it’s value, but because of it’s lack of value in heaven’s economy. Just like asphalt.’ In heaven, it was suggested, there were other measures of treasure. Appreciation was one of them. The difference between someone who shows appreciation for something in comparison with someone who does not is vast. Compare for example the individual who has a true appreciation for a well-cooked meal, savouring every morsel, noticing the attention to detail, the blend of spices perhaps with the person who eats a meal for the sake of it. How crude the experience that dos not fully comprehend what the experience is all about.

As we begin 2010, what will we show an appreciation for…things that satisfy only a part of who we are as human beings, or will we step up higher and develop a greater appetite for things spiritual, for things outside our 9-5 (more like 9-9) lives? How will we address our longing for something more than the next new thing, the latest craze? What will outlast the lustre of ‘our gold,’ the attraction of our newest acquisition? Perhaps a great way to start this New Year is by showing a new level of appreciation for what you have and not contempt for what you don’t. If you’re reading this, take the time to physically count your blessings. Go ahead and make a list of what’s working for you and what’s not. I’m positive that even in the direst set of circumstances, if you’re careful to count the smile of a stranger, the helping hand of a neighbour, the glad eyes of your children when you kiss them, you’re likely to come out ahead…every time.