Imperishable Treasures

My wife and I visited a marvelous house abroad. We had never seen a family home like it before. Not only the majestic building, with its spectacular design, but also the furniture, the decor, the gardens, and all the amenities made it a special place to live an ideal life.

Its owners, an evangelical family whom we know and love deeply, showed us the entire residence and explained how they had specified their preferences during its construction. They did so not to show off, but to show us how much God had blessed them. They had attended to every detail to create the house of their dreams. And they certainly succeeded! Surely, people passing through the neighborhood where the residence stands see its occupants as very fortunate people who lack nothing and are truly enjoying life. No one could imagine the immense sorrow that keeps them from fully enjoying all they have.

After a very special evening visiting them, as we said goodbye, someone in the family alluded to the fact that my wife and I would be returning to Cuba in a few days. They said it would not be easy to face the shortages and hardships of our life in Cuba after several months of traveling abroad.

When the owner of the house heard that comment, he said with emotion:

“No! They have their children and their ministry there.”

As I heard his words, I saw that his eyes were moist. The truth is that our dear friends had lost their eldest son, only twenty-five years old, a few months earlier after a swift, painful, and terrible illness.

Someone might argue that they are in a better position than anyone to face such a loss, which is true… in part. Losses of that kind cannot be made up for, and in the face of such devastating blows, material things lose all their value. After such pain, people tend to say, “What good is all this to me?” Our friends have found strength not in their possessions but in their faith. They would gladly give up everything they have if doing so could bring their son back to life.

So, what is worth more? Let us focus on the true treasures around us, and everything in life will have more meaning. You will discover that you are happier than you think. Reflect on the true treasures you possess, those that are immaterial yet fill your life with satisfaction.

We tend to overvalue what we lack when we focus on material things. Let us focus on our spiritual treasures, and God’s peace will fill our hearts in any circumstance.

God bless you!