Hidden Treasure

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

— Matthew 13:44-45

When Lisa’s cold and distant mother was diagnosed with cancer, Lisa’s efforts to reconnect were met with silence. After the funeral, Lisa desperately hoped her mother’s attitude toward her had secretly softened. Perhaps she’d left a video message, a letter or even a brief note that might close the distance between them. Lisa rummaged through her mother’s dresser. She found the pearls her father had given her mother on their 25^th wedding anniversary. She stumbled across a tiny box that contained her mother’s wedding ring. She dug out the Mother’s Day brooch she’d given her mother, a gift never worn.

But there was no video. No letter. No note. She was never going to find the reconciliation she craved.

But the Bible tells us that heaven will be a glorious place for relational beings. In heaven none of our relationships will be strained. They will be perfect, enjoyable, fulfilling. Even relationships that have been buried under a mountain of misunderstanding and resentment for years will be restored. While this sounds wonderful, where does that leave us in this life? Are we destined to always feel the disappointment of estrangement?

The good news of this story is that the treasure of blissful relationships can be found, even on earth. But it takes effort. The farmer didn’t stumble upon the treasure. He was digging, actively working to make things better. In the process he discovered treasure. Joy was his reward. And it can be ours as well.

Today’s One Thing

Be the first to pick up the shovel of reconciliation, and get to work. Reach out to someone with whom you have a strained relationship, and begin to set things right.

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