Several years ago, my parents compiled a list of family keepsakes and let us five children choose what we wanted. Many of the items were distributed as my parents downsized over the years. Two of those items that came my way are pictured here. My great-grandmother, Mary Samuels originally possessed these treasures. She apparently bought furniture when she was displeased with her husband, and the organ was one of those purchases. As a preschooler, I remember standing on both pedals and pumping as I played some cacophony, believing it was a symphony.
The rocker, however, is the real treasure. Also an item from Great-Grandma Samuels’ home, it sat on the front porch of my childhood home in Memphis, Tennessee with its twin. Many hours were spent rocking on the front porch with family and friends. When I bought the home from my parents, only one rocker remained, the other already having been distributed to one of my sisters. Still a sturdy rocker despite years of exposure to the elements, its green paint was cracked and revealing the previous layers of white and pink. Eventually, I decided to refinish it, stripping the three layers of paint down to the oak grain. The cane bottom had long ago been replaced with a sheet of plywood, so I undertook the job of re-caning the seat. When I finished the transformation, I gave it back to my parents with whom it remained until last year.
My mother, now a widow, moved to our town a few years ago and decided her apartment was too crowded for the old, wooden rocker after she bought a more comfy rocker. It has come back into our possession as a special treasure, holding in its seat the memories of all the family and friends that rocked in it over the years.
While it is fun to reminisce about these special “treasures,” all earthly treasures will eventually deteriorate and cease to be, even though they may outlast several owners. Therefore, I try to hold loosely to material treasures because they are transient. But because people will be eternal, investing in others for the sake of eternity is what will last. Jesus Christ said:
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-20, NIV)
There is truth in the saying, “You can’t take it with you.” So, it’s best to plant gospel seeds here and now in those who will eventually become part of the heavenly treasure of relationships that we will enjoy forever.
For more examples of “treasure” click HERE
Addendum: Here is a three generational picture with my grandfather sitting in the rocking chair. He lived with us for eight years and weather permitting, he and our dog sat on the porch every day and watched the world go by, the squirrels play and his U.S. flag fly.
Me, my dad and grandfather…each on his pappy’s knee.
“Big Pop” and my Toy Fox Terrier, Missy
Big Pop and Missy enjoying the morning sun.
Rural Iowa Pastor 