MOVING THE ANCIENT BOUNDARIES

My sweet mother-in-law would ooh-and-ah over gifts given to her, then she’d tuck her treasures carefully in a closet with her standard comment, “I’m savin’ ’em for good.”

Are you guilty of doing that same thing with treasures in you life? Savin’ ’em for good? Do you have a closet or a cedar chest—or perhaps even the deep corners of your heart—where you place precious things and then forget them?

This precious lady grew up during the Depression, and I’m sure that era colored her emotions and reactions. But when Grandma went home to be with the Lord we found a closet full of boxes, filled with presents she’d never even removed from their wrappings. Gifts given in love. Saved for special occasions that never came. Presents that never imparted the joy and value they were intended to bring.
Years ago I heard a Christian speaker instruct about teaching your children the value of special things. She said, “Use them! If your children don’t see, touch, and use the good silver and china, why should those items be of any value to them after you’re gone?”
Both my mama and my mother-in-law left us many objects they treasured. Grandma’s things were out-of-the-wrapper perfect. My mom’s had chips around the edges from enjoying. Which things, do you think, were most valuable?
I grew up seeing and using Mom’s things. Grandma left notes inside many of her treasures, so we at least had their history. But monetary value is insignificant compared to memories a treasure evokes in my heart. All things handed down are of great value to me, because I love their former owners.

Perhaps my children and grandchildren will remember special objects I use. Some I use everyday. Others are just brought out for special occasions. But I use them and rehearse the origin of each treasure and my memories of the giver of the gift or passed-down treasure. And I hope, when I leave this world, some part of these historic memories of joy will capture their hearts, and then be passed on to the hearts of their children.

One of Grandma’s packed-away treasures sits on my vanity, holding my every-day jewelry. Each time I place a bracelet or ring in this beautiful dish I think of something about her—a word, an occasion, her laugh—even a frown or warning. Memories money can’t buy or place a value on.
Last week in my haste a bottle of perfume slipped from my hand and fell on this beautiful treasure. I could almost hear Grandma’s gasp and feel the scowl from her frown, and I was heartbroken. But thank the Lord for china glue. I replaced the broken chunk and the dish looks almost flawless. Yes, the monetary value is diminished, but my memories aren’t. And the treasured dish remains more special to me than before.
Because the dish survived, and added yet another memory. Another story. Another treasured moment along my life-line.
In the hustle and bustle to prosperity, we’ve failed our children in the importance of passing along family treasures. We’ve given them more and more. Tossing out the old. Ushering in the new, raising a generation more interested in throwing away and replacing what they deem a antiquated with new stuff.

Is it any wonder our children have no connection with the past and little interest in developing generational relationships? They hold their world in their hands, punching in conversations on a technological instrument that will be deleted and forgotten before nightfall. A world with few memories. Just the here and now. Throw away objects, throw away families, and throw away people.
But God didn’t raise us that way. The only two things destined for eternity are the souls of men and women and the Word of God. And He calls us to remember. Remember who He is and who we are in Him.
What treasures have you tucked away and forgotten? Your mother’s Bible? Your father’s watch? Letters or cards of love from a husband or wife? A close friendship lost in the scurry of schedules? Failure to remember and contemplate answered prayers? The fresh presence of Jesus’ love for you and yours for Him when He first saved you? Treasures that have slipped through the cracks, lost and forgotten in the turmoil of life.
With the holiday season fast approaching, I pray this stirs your hearts to remember. Remember the family traditions of Thanksgivings and Christmases past—even if they’re painful. Remember past friendships. Remember and use treasured vessels left in your care. Remember your First Love, the Lord Jesus Christ.
And teach your children to value their heritage, and to trust our Lord God Almighty who has provided all these treasured gifts.

“Remember now thy Creator, in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no delight in them…” (Ecclesiastes 12:1 NAS).