Hidden Treasures!

Our trip to Slovenia last August

"Mom, I just want to spend the day with you. Mani/pedi's, shopping or just chilling, I don't care what we do as long as we are together," said Megan.

"Let's go!" I responded.  We quickly made arrangements for her two boys and took off.

"May I read from my devotional while you are driving," I asked?

"Of course" she said.

"Approach each new day with desire to find Me. Before you get out of bed, I have already been working to prepare the path that will get you through this day. There are hidden treasures strategically placed along the way. Some of the treasures are trials, designed to shake you free from earth-shackles. Others are blessings that reveal My Presence: sunshine, flowers, birds, friendships, answered prayer. I have not abandoned this sin-wrecked world; I am still richly present in it.

Search for deep treasures as you go through this day. You will find Me all along the way." Jesus Calling", by Sarah Young

"I've found my treasure today. It's spending time with you," I said.

"Absolutely, but Mom, we can't overlook that some of the treasures are trials," she said as she parked the car.

"I know, but I don't generally have to look for those treasures, they slap me in the face. I've learned to go straight to Him to deal with trials, although I forget to consider trials treasures. It's small blessings and favor I neglect to recognize amid drama and pain."

We paused our discussion as a hostess seated us. After perusing the menus we decided to share a couple of items.

"Hi! My name is Kelsey. What can I get for you today," the server said.

"I'd like to try the Turkey Reuben, please. Is the Jalapeño remoulade really spicy?" I asked

"I can put it on the side for you if you like," Kelsey replied.

"That would be great." I said. 

"She likes spicy, but she knows I don't. I plan to snark part of her sandwich," Megan said with a grin.

"Ha, my parents wouldn't care," Kelsey snorted. "They would tell me to get my own sandwich."

"Yes, but she hasn't seen me in almost a year." Megan said.

"Oh, no!" Kelsey explained. "I couldn't live without my mom."

"Well she lives in Budapest, Hungary as a missionary," I said pointing to Megan. "And I just moved from Dallas to Georgia, so we met here in Austin where her in-laws live. They are keeping her two little boys while we steal a few hours to catch up."

"Oh my gosh," Kelsey said,  "That is amazing. Let me get your order in and you guys enjoy your visit."

Megan and I talked as fast as we could cramming in a year's worth of conversation and stories, pausing only long enough to eat our food. Once we finished I asked Kelsey for a to-go box and the check explaining that we had an appointment for mani/pedi's.

"I'll get the box for you, but we have something called "Customer Appreciation". I told my manager your story and your meals are on us."

"What? Thank you so much!" I said. "In my devotional today it said to look for hidden treasures during the day. This certainly qualifies!"

"And I was part of the plan?!!!" she smiled. "Thank you so much for sharing that with me."

"Thank you for being a treasure!" I said as we left the restaurant.

I love the idea of being a treasure in someone's life. Don't you? I'm going to make a point of trying to be a treasure to someone everyday. I may not be passing out free meals. It may be only a smile in an otherwise difficult day, but I'm going to try.