Amazingly, I am blogging again with less than a numerous month span between posts! I still had to look up my password though. Sigh. I will get the routine down eventually.
Today I had the delight to view a facebook photo album that rocked my world a bit. What might this photo album be about: a missions trip to a third world country, the birth of a new baby, or a graduation? All good guesses and worthy of capturing on film, but this particular album focused solely on the Easter treasure hunt of two young boys.
Their younger brother, not yet one, simply found his Easter basket and goodies in the middle of the living room while these two young ones started their treasure hunt with a simple clue to head to a closet. Through a total of six clues, they traveled throughout their home to find their Easter delights.
“So?” you might ask. Yes, I agree this doesn’t seem that impacting, but you see, I have not yet used 1000 words to fully capture the import of these pictures (which technically provides me quite the word count: each pic x 1000). And I have decided that I am not even going to attempt to describe each picture to you (you can stop applauding at any time).
From the start, the young boys excitedly ventured off to the coat closet to find a large piece of candy and the next clue. Away they went to discover a small Easter toy and another clue. I imagine they darted off to the next location with great energy and excitement where they opened the dryer to each find a large toy they both have been excitedly wanting. The camera shutter snapped at just the right moment to catch the looks of surprise and delight on the boys’ faces as they turned to show off their treasures.
I thought for sure this was the end of the hunt for the prizes seemed quite good to me and the goal of delighting the boys had obviously been accomplished. However, I did not know the number of clues or locations where delights and treasures had been hidden. So, I continued to click through the hunt with each picture knocking a little louder on my heart. They went on to three more locations: another good sized toy at the next spot, their Easter baskets at the fifth spot, and a large video game for the family to share at the final location.
The thing that truly pierced my heart about the whole thing? The Lord reminding me that He is the One “who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (Eph. 3:20-21).
How many times have I stopped after the second clue on a treasure hunt? Never. How many times have I stopped obeying the Lord after the second direction? I humbly admit I cannot even begin to guess. Each time those boys went to the next location, the looks of delight and joy increased. Those pictures showed them immediately turning to their parents to share their excitement with them. How many times have I robbed Jesus of seeing that delight on my face because I refused to follow where He was leading or because I didn’t share my delight with Him?
He is the God who delights in doing beyond what we can ask or imagine. He has blessings and treasures beyond our wildest ability to comprehend, but am I humble and obedient to follow Him to their locations? Am I willing to go talk to the stranger He tells me to the way I would go search in a dryer if that was the next clue on a treasure hunt? Am I pressing on to know Him, to search for Him as I would great treasure?
I fully expected the Easter hunt to end much sooner than it did, and in God’s great mercy and grace, His treasures and delights do not end when I expect. He faithfully prompts and convicts in order to guide me in His will. He wants me to experience His blessings more than I want to find them. How utterly humbling is that?
So, Jesus, thank You for the continual Easter gift of Your great sacrifice for me. Please help me trust in Your goodness and faithfulness so that my obedience will lead to more and more moments of delighting with You. To You be all the glory.
(Final word count: 775. Less than 1000. Yes!)
