| Luke 12:34 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” |
According to family folklore, I am the 4th cousin of Jesse James the bank robber. I was told that my great grandmother Rosa James’ father was Jesse’s father’s brother. She told stories to my grandmother about times that Jesse was being chased by a posse and they hid him in their barn. I wrote a book report about him when I was in high school and have continued to learn more about him over the years. One of the more interesting stories is that after a train robbery in Gad’s Hill, Missouri, Jesse buried a large sum of money in the Ozark hills. Countless searches have been done by treasure hunters who have spent thousands of hours looking for the lost riches. The exact value of the treasure is not known, but it was large enough to make Jesse want to hide it and large enough to inspire hundreds of people to search for it.
I’ve thought a lot about Jesse over the years, and wondered why he would go to such extremes, including shooting people, for a few bags of gold coins or cash. But before I can be too critical of him, I have to ask myself what my treasure is. I am an avid paper crafter, and love making and selling greeting cards. And based on the overflowing condition of my craft room, buying papers and inks may be a ‘treasure’ to me. But is it really the best use of my time and money? Sure, my cards help to spread caring thoughts and sympathy across the country, but do I desire to spend more time making cards than I do reading my Bible and memorizing scripture, talking about God with my neighbors, or fostering relationships with friends and family? Where does my treasure truly lie?
Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for giving us talents and interests in creative areas such as art or music or gardening. But help me to ultimately keep my eyes on you, as the author and finisher of my faith. I can use my talents and gifts for you, of course, but the focus needs to remain on you and not on what I am able to accomplish. Forgive me for the times I have been more interested in what I can make rather than the beautiful world that you have already made for me to enjoy. Thank you for loving me. Amen.
– Betty Gossell
