Finding Your Treasure

By Beth A. Richardson

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. —Matthew 6:21

Sometimes finding what we treasure in our lives, our families, our communities, our world is a challenge. We might say we treasure relationships but then realize that we never seem to spend any time with others. We might claim that we value our faith community but discover that we haven’t played a meaningful part in it for years. Take some time to do this exercise in finding your treasure. For, as Jesus said, “there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21).

Opening

Say this prayer: “God, open my eyes to see what you would have me see. Amen.”

Seeing

Walk around the house, apartment, or room where you live and look at the things that fill up the space. Think about the activities and people that make up your life.

Writing

Make a list of five things in your life that you treasure most.

Reflecting

• Sit down with your list and ask the following questions about the words on your list.
• Why did I put this on the list? What does it mean to me?
• How much time do I spend engaging with this object, activity, or person?
• Complete this sentence: “This [fill in the blank] is one of my treasures because …”
• What do the items on this list suggest for the things, activities, and people I noticed when I walked around my living space?

Going Deeper 

• Look at your list a second time. Does anything surprise you about what is there? Are there things missing from the list?
• Try the above exercise in a more creative fashion. Create a collage rather than writing down a list. Or find or take pictures that represent your treasures.
• Repeat the exercise, if you have time, and think about the wider community. What are the things treasured by our society? By the world?
• Do this exercise with your family or your significant other and see what you learn.

Beth A. Richardson is a United Methodist clergy person and the Director of Prayer and Upper Room Worship Life. A photographer and writer, she is author of the book, Christ Beside Me, Christ Within Me: Celtic Blessings.

From July/August Alive Now. Copyright © 2016 by The Upper Room.