Thoughts on Treasure Hunting

It's been awhile since I've written anything--Travel and transition doesn't make for a reflective life. Yet we have had the joys of reunion with family and friends, as reconnecting relationships after two years away are the heart behind this trip! Wish we had time for more.

Here is my meditative thought for the day. "Bring me to Jesus"-- this phrase captures my heart, and brought forth this blog. You may think that this is easy for me. Let me put to rest any false 'super-spirituality' misconceptions. It's hard.

Two thoughts about this.
1) Noise reduction. Jim and I were able to get away for a few days last week, compliments of my parents, and these were the thoughts that hit me. Certain seasons of life make for lots of 'noise', and this season feels particularly busy with activity. Yet, I make certain choices that can dim the quiet rest of heart. For me, this is being wise about when I check email, television choices, and other media that clutters my mind. Going to bed late means, surprise, I don't want to get up early. These are not wrong in of themselves. Maybe you are less distracted than me. But at least me for me, I assume that I can make these choices and engage my mind in these things, and then quickly jump out and be at rest. I can't. So learning to say no to some things means you are free to say yes to the best things. Here's to a season of better choices about putting myself on the path of a peaceful heart.

2) Treasure hunting. Noise reduction can only take you so far. Buddhists do this quite well. Skilled treasure hunting means more than just heading down a path with any old map. It's keeping your eye on the prize. I have been reading Colossians this week, and I love the TLB version of this verses:
"Col 2:2-3 I pray...that you will have the rich experience of knowing Christ with real certainty and clear understanding. For God's secret plan, now at last made known, is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the mighty, untapped treasures of wisdom and knowledge. "

What hit me, is the word hidden. Treasures are hidden. Now we see Him through dark glass. This is why it takes great effort-- because treasures are hidden. Am I willing to put forth the effort? Does my heart carry the daily sense of excitement that this is no ordinary treasure hunt? Do I believe this hunt has the greatest prize imaginable, worth every bump and rock on the road? I admit that I set off on the hunt and become distracted, forgetting what I was looking for and seeking after lesser pleasures. I forget that the treasure is Jesus. You too?

Let's pray that He will make us hungry, bold, and single-minded treasure hunters.

A Travel Song

Tomorrow morning at 7:15am, the girls and I take off for the US. (Please do pray for our trip!) This is our last day in Singapore, perhaps ever! Yesterday I was reading Philippians 4, (which I've found it very difficult to try to be quiet and reflective in the midst of major transition) and God 'gave' me this song for our trip. Thank you, Lord! Because one or a couple of us may tend towards anxiety or negative thoughts, these are the perfect lyrics--for 2 & 3 year olds (and 30+ year olds). Literally within 60 seconds, the tune was crystal clear and the words were down on paper. So I went to the girls room after rest time and taught it to them, and they added hand motions! Wish I could get them to sing it for you, but here are the words:

If there's anything of which you're afraid
Tell it to God, and tell it with thanks
And then you will find His peace is right there
To comfort your heart in Jesus

And rejoice, rejoice, for our Lord is near
Rejoice, rejoice, He'll keep your heart from fear

Whatever is true, whatever is right
Whatever is good, whatever is pure
If anything's great or worthy of praise
Tell your heart "Think on these things"!