The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made…all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Psalm 145:9,12 (NIV)

Reading for Today ~ Psalm 145:8-16

“Here you go! I want you to have these teacups because I know you’ll use them and enjoy them.” My husband’s Scottish aunt pushed a large cardboard box across the carpet toward me, as we sat on the sofa in her living room. In her effort to downsize, this elegant, silver-haired lady had selected several sets of my favorite china pattern.

As I pulled the tissue from around the first dish, Aunt Nancy reminisced about opening the gifts on her wedding day and, in her crisp Edinburgh accent, described the friend who gave it to her. Carefully unwrapping the next piece, I admired the miniature flower garden hand-painted on the smooth, white cup. The porcelain felt cool in my palm. I continued digging into the box, picking out piece after delicate piece, as if I were mining for treasure.

For the ten-hour plane ride home, I carefully packed the china dishes in bubble wrap and padded my carry-on suitcase with sweaters and jackets. Once on the 747, my case stowed securely in the bin above my seat, I laid my head back on the headrest. A tingle of excitement zipped down my spine. Soon I would be using them at our annual neighborhood meet-and-greet tea party.

The engines rumbled, the wheels lifted off the runway, and as we flew into the skies, I realized the treasure I valued most was the beautiful relationship my aunt and I shared. While packing up the dishes, I had also packed up the memory of our time together and was carrying the warmth of my dear friend’s affection back home with me.

God has given me many gifts that I treasure: good health, satisfying work, and a beautiful sunrise to greet me every morning. But truly, relationships are at the top of my list. When I reflect on how God shows his kindness through the friends, relatives, and neighbors he has chosen for me, the corners of my mouth turn up in a smile.

Almost immediately the realization follows, my most valuable treasure is my friendship with God himself. As a beloved Father, he has chosen to reveal his character to me. I find in the Bible that he is all-powerful, all-wise, and he loves me abundantly. Lately, I’ve been digging into scripture as if I’m mining for treasure, searching for his unique names which are descriptions of his traits. In today’s passage, I discovered these names: Compassionate, Faithful, Gracious, Good, and Loving.

Each time I use my dishes, I am reminded of how grateful I am for caring friends and family. Above all, I’m thankful for a Loving Father who blesses me richly with the splendors of his kingdom, and who daily gives me life, love, and laughter. He is my greatest treasure.

Prayer: Thank you Father that all good gifts come from your generous hand.