New Treasures in Old Trash

“…and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure…”

Proverbs 2:4 NIV

The barn spilled its contents, and my husband’s life spilled at his feet. His tricycle, his sister’s bike, his grandmother’s dinner plates, his uncle and aunt’s books, his dad’s hard work….

And as that barn came tumbling down, there was no victory shout, only emotional moans for what he knew was to come:  the end of the junk (my words) stored in the barns, remnants of a life lived well, but now more trash than treasure.

Over 30 years ago, Ian and his dad built the barn to house the contents of the 1907 family home we were having redone, the home where we still live. But the barn crumbled, leaning into the neighbor’s yard, and it was time.

So each day in the evening, we would meander through the maze of memories where many objects told stories that caused Ian to shake his head, smile alot, cry a little, and sometimes jump with excitement. And then he would go back inside. It wasn’t the time. He couldn’t face tossing any of it away just yet.

 

My husband doesn’t write his life on paper like I do, but he inscribes it on his heart. He wasn’t storing up treasures on earth for the moths had definitely come. But he was storing up memories that were awakened and refreshed and enjoyed simply because of the objects around him.

So how were we to separate the trash from the treasure?

 

We found it to be a slow, deliberate, painstaking, and patient process as we looked carefully, searched intently, and discovered new treasures in the old trash each day. 

A worthy endeavor indeed.

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My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,

and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,

then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Then you will understand what is right and just and fair – every good path.

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

Proverbs 2:1-11 NIV