Devotional by Mary Manners: Finding Our Treasure…Thinking Outside of the Box

Everyone say "hi" to Mary Manners! She's become a familiar face here on the blog because of her monthly devotionals! I hope you are enjoying your visits with Mary every last Monday of every new month! :) 

Today, Mary draws on her experience as a first-grade teacher to share thoughts that will challenge us to think outside of the box and remember that our true treasure is found only in Heaven.

Take it away, Mary! :)

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Finding Our Treasure…Thinking Outside of the Box
A devotional written by Mary Manners

“Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.”

~ Micah 7:8, NIV ~

Fridays were always fun days when I taught first grade because, as each school week drew to a close, my students and I gathered around the story rug for a respite from academics to dive into the most sought-after and anticipated activity of all—searching for treasure. The Treasure Box was nothing fancy—simply a cardboard box decorated with stickers and cast-off costume jewelry. But, to a bunch of six-year-olds, it was the hottest item since crust-less bread. Oh, the power…the mystery…the joy and the tears!

Tears? Wait a minute—why tears? 

Well, the Treasure Box was part of a school-wide reward system implemented to encourage students to follow rules and complete assigned tasks in a timely and careful manner. It was a time when less certainly equaled more—less broken rules equaled a greater reward. Less distraction from the workload meant more production and a larger cut of the bounty. As the students, one by one, approached the Treasure Box and shared their behavior and assignment log, some of them received treats and others, well…had earned not so much. It was a time for anticipation, reflection, and discussion. Happiness did not always abound. Nonetheless, whatever the week’s outcome, each student knew that he or she would return on Monday with a totally clean slate to embark on that week’s adventure.

As Christians, we know that our treasure is found in Heaven. Sometimes we soar like eagles and sometimes we stumble—or even fall flat on our face. Thank goodness we don’t have to wait until Monday morning to gather a clean slate. The blood of Jesus washes us white and tells that, as believers, nothing here on earth can separate us from His love and grace.

So, enjoy a respite in the healing power of God’s glory. Through the blood of His Son, we are washed clean. The treasures of Heaven await those who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We are made new each and every day and there is no limit to the gift of God-given grace, because our treasure is found outside of the box.