You never really know what a day will bring. I can make plans, but situations come about in which I need to reassess my “Do List” and make changes. Has that happened to you?
Today I arose to do my daily reading. I read the Holy Bible. After my devotional time I read a couple of pages from some classic writer. Washington Irving is the author I have been reading lately. I generally read it with a dictionary alongside.
In “The History of New York,” published in 1809, Irving satirizes the historic development of Manhattan. The words I searched for in the dictionary this morning were “wags” and “loggerheads.” In the context of Irving’s history, “wags,” according to Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary, means young men. “Loggerheads” are blockheads, a large cumbrous head. To be “at loggerheads” means to be in or into a state of quarrelsome disagreement. Irving colorfully illustrated people and conflicts arising as this notable piece of land and its community developed.
It is my assertion there are many “hidden treasures” in a dictionary. In my perusing it I have found that things we do not know, have not thought of or imagined are sitting in a volume on my shelf just waiting to be found.
Following my study time, I concerned myself with feeding my family. I went to my refrigerator and found another “hidden treasure.” There sat a thawed beef tongue. My pressure cooker made it easily prepared, so at mealtime we were well satisfied.
Another interest in my home is my husband’s woodworking. His latest creation is a treasure-in-the-making. He is building a mantel with shelves for housing our television and speakers. He is using beautiful walnut wood he and his father cut many years ago.
In this building project, slight damage occurred to the painted surface of our living room wall. The marring appeared near where the mantel will stand. We looked at old paint cans we have saved for repair jobs, hoping to find a shade that could match the color we needed. We found none. What to do?
Recalling some “hidden treasures” in my craft room, I hunted through my dear mother’s paint supplies. She was a talented amateur oil painter. Many of her works grace the walls in our home.
We needed paint right away. For only a small amount of color, I dug through her “treasures.” Many paints were dried and ready to be discarded, but some remained usable. Here I found another “treasure.” I was able to mix some of Mother’s colors and got a shade that easily covered the blemishes in our wall. This little treasure in my Mom’s paint kit solved a problem with which I had not expected to contend.
In addition, I enjoy drawing with pencil. These supplies from my Mom have awakened an interest in oil painting that has been hidden for years. I have uncovered a new “treasure.” This one is a treasure from which to learn.
Have you had days like that? You may not have set out to deal with a situation, but circumstances propel you into an unexpected or hidden treasure. Your Bible, your dictionary, your newspaper, your refrigerator, your attic or storage room, or crafts from your mate or other loved ones may introduce you to things you have not known or valued before. Be alert for hidden treasures that the Lord has put in your path.
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