Picture by jmhook @ igougo
Matthew 6:20-22 (New International Version)
20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.
On New Year’s Day I had some time to take a long walk outside in the snow and wind. The sun was out so I took it as an incentive to get outdoors. As I bundled up to head outside, my great nephew Eli came up to me and said, “I want to go walk with u Auntie Tara.” I was somewhat surprised by his desire to go out in the cold, but I got his snow pants and gear and bundled him up to prepare for the winter chill.
He commented on how he walked funny in his snow pants, he pointed out all the Christmas decorations on the houses we passed, he said “Appy New Ear ady” to a woman shoveling her walk and when we returned to Grandma’s yard he invited me to make snow angels “Wit me”. Spending that small amount of time with my nephew reminded me of how fast time flies for children. One day you are toddling alongside your parents and the next moment you are asking for the key’s to your parents’ car.
On New Year’s Day, the Archbishop of Canterbury gave a message about the importance of treasure. He did not speak of bonds, savings accounts or even balancing a budget. He spoke about the treasure that is found in the heart and life of each and every child.
‘Jesus said where our treasure is, that's where our hearts will be. Our hearts will be in a very bad way if they're focused only on the state of our finances. They'll be healthy if they are capable of turning outwards, looking at the real treasure that is our fellow human beings.’
-The Arch Bishop of Canterbury, January 2009
Just like New Year, children hold hope, dreams and promise of what can be for the future. When I think back on the best thing about my New Years day of 2009, I don’t think I’ll remember the food we ate. I do know that I will remember my walk with Eli. In that short hour, he opened my eyes to beauty I would have missed if I had not taken the time to see things from his point of view.
In 2009, I hope that I become better aware of the treasure of children. For parents and grandparents, time seems to be going so fast. Sometimes, slowing down can be hard, but it’s necessary it we don’t want to miss the important things - the beautiful things.
People are the real treasure, not the balance in our checking accounts. Our eyes need to be open in the year ahead to the treasure and light of humanity that surrounds us. At the end of the day, my nephew was kissing me good bye and I thanked him for going on a walk with me. He replied, “I have fun with you today Auntie Tara.” Remember the treasure of children; they open our eyes to the most beautiful things in the world, each other.
Comments