The air is crisp and cool. The hue of the leaves is becoming a goldish green giving us a glimpse of fall to come. The flowers are slowly fading. The birds are beginning to gather in large flocks preparing for their flight to warmer climates. There's a stillness to the air. The season is changing.
The seasonal flow has long been noted as a parallel to life. We see the coming and going and varied qualities of each distinct season. Each phase of the year has its own beauty and distress. Most have their favorite time of year. And many would prefer their desired season to last longer.
Having, in the not too distant past, made one of those transitional seasonal passages of life gives me cause me to reflect back on life and various priorities of each season. Back in the last century, in the days before video games, computers, ipods and cell phones, we kids were encouraged to play outside and use our imagination.
Boys play differently than girls. As little men, we played games like war, capture the flag, king of the hill, and various other "manly" games. My friends and I often spent hours on some adventure where we explored the woods, the creeks, anthills, and sometimes even hornets' nests. Amidst our adventures we looked for buried treasure. That treasure could be anything from turning over a rock in a stream to discover crawdads or digging up some agate or piece of quartz. Our treasure could even be a caterpillar or a strange beetle.
As I reflect on those simpler days of life, it causes me to contemplate the treasures I've searched and dug for through the years. It causes me to stop and ask myself, "What do I treasure today?" "What am I pursuing today?" "What's really important?" "What really has lasting value?" "Where do I want to spend my remaining life energies?"
It doesn't really matter what stage or season of life you're in right now. What matters is what kind of treasure you're seeking. Will it make a difference in eternity? Is your treasure for selfish gain or for the benefit of others? Jesus said for true contentment, fulfillment, satisfaction to pursue a treasure in heaven that won't be exhausted, wear out or change with the seasons.
God, I love going exploring with you. The adventure is full of challenges, surprises, joys and discoveries. I don't cling to this world or their empty treasures or promises. I want to find that heavenly treasure. I'm packed and ready for the hunt. Lead me. Guide me. Let's go find that buried treasure.
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