The greatest treasures are those invisible to the eye, but found by the heart.
Women carrying coal. |
I have recently come to understand that, even before I get out of bed in the morning, God has planned a day of adventures just for me. Sunshine after a storm, a beautiful flower in the middle of a trash heap, majestic birds flying overhead, and the joy of the people with whom I work are all treasures sprinkled throughout my day. And the more I look for such treasures, the more I find, hidden in the ordinary activities of my day.
Of course, there have been difficult moments in the past few weeks. In light of Al-Qaeda activity in the eastern part of Kenya, Kakamega has been beefing up security, and everyone is a bit nervous about possible violence in response to upcoming political rallies in Nairobi. Personally, I've also been struggling with pain in my right eye. Fortunately, Ken finally convinced me to visit the local clinic (which was a wild adventure in itself), and the eye seems to be healing now. Thank you, God.
The entrance to the eye clinic in Kakamega. |
But despite all of the challenges, I'm still finding treasures.
The Lord has given me the following passage:
And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness, secret riches;
and you will know that I am doing this—I, the Lord, the God of Israel,
the one who calls you by your name.
Isaiah 45:3 (TLB)
and you will know that I am doing this—I, the Lord, the God of Israel,
the one who calls you by your name.
Isaiah 45:3 (TLB)
Some treasures of God may be difficult to see at the outset, but once you find them, you recognize that they are gifts only He could provide -- like peace and hope and joy. These are the things He makes available to me every single day. I am rich indeed.
A much appreciated Scripture, Jolene. I believe the good that seems hidden to us is not obscured by the Lord, but by the glass through which we darkly look upon life...keep calm and find your way through the "unusual" elements there...
ReplyDeleteIn Jesus,
Bradley Caldwell
That's beautiful....thank you for blessing me!
DeleteYour Sister in Christ,
Jolene
Wonderful blog full of local color and personalism. Great scripture. Thanks. Praying for your and Ken.
ReplyDeleteJonathan Raymond
Thank you for your words of encouragement and for your prayers. May the Lord bless you and your ministry as well!
DeleteIn Christ,
Jolene
Love your stories! And I am loving your book. =)
ReplyDeleteDo me a favour if you can and submit an online review of the book on Amazon. Good, bad, or ugly reviews are welcome!
DeleteThank you for your continued support!
Blessings,
Jolene