Treasure Hunt - Encouragement Café - September 21

Treasure Hunt
 By Paris Renae 

And if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure… Proverbs 2:4

It’s easy to get lost in unfulfilled expectations as I lay all my cares before God. I wonder, "Does He hear?"

Then I pull open my Bible and a notecard sent years ago slips into my lap. I read words of kindness flowing from the loving heart of a friend.

I wander out into the kitchen to find my husband has already loaded the dishwasher, a small act of kindness.

A friend calls. Her job is overwhelming, and she has no help at home… Offering all I can, I pray for her and His peace to fill her, my act of kindness.

Kindness surprises us – in a world that seems to be driven to hurt, an act of kindness is a splash of sunshine on a dreary day, a cupcake in the midst of broken dreams.

I bet you’ve found, like me, that your acts of kindness toward others bring as much joy as acts of kindness sent your way. Yet sometimes we have to look for them, especially in the hard times. It’s like going on a treasure hunt…

The treasure hunt is really awareness:  a card you saved because the words meant so much, a ‘knick-knack’ on a shelf given in love - these are reminders. The person who lets you go in line ahead of them, or holds a door for you – these are hugs. 

Galatians tells us that one of the fruits of the Spirit is kindness. Our gracious Father knows that in this world, while we wait for Him, we need to receive and to give acts of kindness to get us through.

Kindness – ours and other’s – helps us look beyond our problems. It’s a reminder of how much He cares for us and for those in our path. Let's remember to nourish others with this precious fruit of the Spirit.

Instead of focusing on all that’s not right, let’s search for God’s hidden treasure. Let’s fill up on His Word each day. If all there is time for is a quick reading of one verse in the Psalms, He will fill us up with that. When time allows, a whole passage can direct our path, and we will be filled as only He can. By filling up on His hidden treasure, we can become a treasure trove of kindness filling others with His goodness.

Father, it is all too easy for us to get wrapped up in the everyday and in the hard stuff. We forget how a small act can make a big difference. As we live by the Spirit, let Him lead our hearts to acts of kindness. Let us go on treasure hunts when we need to see You at work and see the kindness You bestow in our path. Most of all, Father, may we overflow with kindness so that we may honor You with a life that says we care… In Jesus’ Name, Amen

For more encouragement, visit Paris at parisrenae.com.

© 2020 by Paris Renae.  All rights reserved.

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