I saw a Fox News post a few days ago, reporting that a treasure was found in a sunken ancient cargo ship near Israel. The ship was filled with artifacts, statues, and idols that were estimated to be approximately 1600 years old. In fact the post indicated that the deep ocean sand, that had kept this ship and contents covered for so many years, had actually preserved the statues as if they were cast yesterday. What a find!
Well, I am not an Archaeologist or a Treasure Hunter, but it is interesting to think about treasures of the deep. When my kids were young and we would go to the beach, they would dig and play in the sand searching for sunken treasure. Of course we had probably watched too many pirate movies, but it is intriguing to think about that part of history and wealth that is sometimes uncovered from the deep ocean floor.
The treasures often consist of valuable coins and jewels, but also ceramics and crafted artistry, that speaks to life from another time. The value of most of these finds is incredible and in many cases the treasures are returned to their place, of origin to be appreciated in a museum setting.
When I walk the beach I don’t think about uncovering sunken treasure, at least not the kind referred to above. I do ponder the treasures in my life, both past and present. I offer thanks to the Lord for the gift of those relationships , both family and friends, that have entered my life and encouraged me, challenged me and even at times carried me. Some of these relationships go back more than 40 years, others have only existed for 5 years or less, but the richness of the quality of the relationship is as if it were 40 years.
We live in an age where everything is easily disposed of or put aside to be buried and forgotten ( not unlike the hidden treasures of the deep, lost in a storm or crisis). I am learning that all things in this life are temporal. Money, jobs, titles, stuff, all shift and change in value through the seasons, but true deep intimate relationship with family and friends is greater than any gold or jewel to be found in the ocean’s deep.
I have had relationships shift in different seasons of life; but regardless of the season, prior crisis or storm, that may have resulted in some of these precious treasures to be hidden deep; I do not want to lose any one of them, nor place them in a museum to be viewed at on rare occasion. I want to hold deeply and respond richly with words of life, love and encouragement to my greatest treasures, my family and dear friends.
We all know that relationships come in different layers of intimacy and devotion, but my prayer is that whenever I cross paths with my loved one, no matter how far the distance in time or space, I will embrace them with warmth, strength and much laughter and joy, for it is in you dear family member and dear friend that I am a woman of great wealth….
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