How do you determine what is most valuable in your life? If we each made a list, I think each would look different, especially depending on our age group. This word takes me back to a time when I volunteered to help with running a silent auction. This has been a very popular way for many organizations over the years, to raise monies by auctioning off items of value during a festive event, assisting in supporting their causes. My first introduction to assisting in organizing such an event was a total eye opener for me. I never realized the time and energy that went into making these such events a success.
For the event to even take place, the first step was to approach individuals and businesses months in advance, requesting them to support the fundraiser by donating items of value. But that was only the beginning. So many details had to be organized behind the scenes before the donated items were auctioned off. Every gift or package had to be categorized, listing detailed descriptions about the items to be bid on and their actual dollar value. I remember having pages and pages of descriptions entered into a computer spreadsheet, which constantly was being updated as the event date was approaching. It was also important, days in advance, to visually display and arrange the auction items so they would be pleasing to the eye of the bidders, getting the highest price for each basket or package. On the night of the event, with everything in place, it was up to the guests to decide what was valuable enough to submit a bid, sometimes even more than it was worth.
The same is true for us. It’s much easier to put an emotional value on physical items that we can see and touch – things we think we can’t live without. But what about the possessions, we can’t put a price on? We’ve all accumulated things we believe are of value in our lives, but many times those things leave us empty and unfulfilled.
The answer is right in front of us every day. Jesus is just waiting for us to realize that He is the only one of value. He is the only one that can satisfy all our desires when all the physical things around us fade away or lose their attraction. I find joy in just knowing He loves me. I find satisfaction spending time in His presence, trying to listen and follow His direction. When all is said and done at the end of the day, when you lay your head on your pillow, the best value is that no matter what happened that day, Jesus still values you more than you could ever imagine. If we know we need to do better, we pray for the strength to improve tomorrow. He forgives you. He already paid the cost by sacrificing everything. So, at the end of the day, close your eyes to rest, knowing you and I are the most valuable to Him. I don’t know about you, but I will try harder every day.
“Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!” Luke 12:24
From God's Lips 