Lord, how wonderful you are! You have stored up so many good things for us, like a treasure chest heaped up and spilling over with blessings— all for those who honor and worship you! - Psalms 31:19
Our daughters attended a wonderful Christian school while growing up. At that time, younger grade school children needed to be brought to their classroom door by a parent and picked up in the same manner at the end of the school day. This made for a delightful mingling of kids and parents in the hallways twice a day.
Around the age of eight years old, I began to realize that my youngest would one day stop reaching for my hand as I walked her to her classroom, though I loved feeling her small palm pressed into mine. I knew this would be a natural part of her growing independence but I was determined to cherish it for as long as it lasted. Occasionally I would lift her hand above her head and she would twirl herself underneath and I’d always give that hand an extra squeeze each time I said goodbye. It became a little nugget of her childhood that I treasured dearly and I believe she did too. Because despite my reminding her, as she grew older, that we didn’t have to hold hands, she continued to do so until she no longer needed a parent to accompany her.
What things are you cherishing right now in your life? Many things we experience have a way of changing over time. Be careful not to be so busy or distracted that you miss the chance to relish and appreciate the treasure that’s yours to hold today.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, thank you for the good things you have placed in my life these days. Open my eyes to see all the blessings I’m experiencing now—gifts from You— and help me to enjoy them fully with deep gratitude.