Trash or Treasure

Last weekend I visited a small town in Southern Ohio that boasted of its stream of Antique Shops.  I wasn't looking for anything in particular (I have more than enough "stuff" of my own!).  The visit was more about perusing the amazing variety of display techniques. 

In one store the lighting was muted, the air was musty, and each shelf or corner seemed like a grab bag.

 There was a feeling not only of antiquity, but also of neglect.  I needed to sort through the heaps to select an item of interest.  Pick it up, dust it off, look at it in brighter light and use the imagination to see it with appreciation.  Aah!  Then its potential was revealed!  No purchase was made, but it was pleasurable to notice how even the smallest portion of attention and care could transform the way I "saw" something. 

Just down the road there was another store where the proprietor was obviously a design artist.  I could see that great care had been devoted to preparing the space:  Lighting was soft but clear, and often indirect, with beams seeming to appear from nowhere to illuminate an object.  The air was cool, with hints of lavendar or cedar -- subtle -- evoking memories of loving preservation.  Although I am sure there were rooms behind the scenes were artifacts were warehoused, the store itself was a place where adequate space was dedicated to each treasure.  The beauty and value of a book, a dish, a candlestick, a toy, or a doily were readily accessible.  The proprietor's attention to detail made it possible for customers to see the treasure with little or no creative thought of their own. 

I found myself wondering:  Hmm, how can I replicate a space like this in my own home, so that my own stuff is displayed like these "treasures"?  Given almost any item of any potential value, preparation and presentation seem to be the key.  Both attention and intention are required.

This week's lesson from Matthew speaks about the treasure to be found in God's Words.  Whether we are leading worship or sitting in the pews, we are wise to take some initiative as we seek the abundant life God promises for each one of us. 

Preachers have the responsibility to lift up God's Words so that they are more readily accessible to people.  Their task requires creativity rooted in faith, where the inspiration of the Holy Spirit evokes compelling proclamation. 

Our confession at the beginning of worship is our preparation our for the presentation of God's Word.  We clear and illuminate our inner space by humbly acknowledging dark thoughts and the debris of selfish desires.

Of course, stories of treasure hunts fill folklore and mythology.  The goal is always to find the place where hidden riches will be found and claimed for one's own.  "X marks the spot" is the mantra of the hunter.

Every day we, too, are hunting and seeking what is most precious.  The treasure we seek is the power and beauty of Kingdom living.  We seek the Cross, not an "X".  Christ marks the "spot"!

Enjoy the hunt.  There is treasure to be found, sometimes hidden in the most surprising people and places!