Buried Treasure
A few months ago one of my sisters and I went to do some cleaning for our dad. While cleaning I found a box filled with old papers belonging to my siblings and me dating back to when we were in primary school. It was like finding a box of buried treasure and I was quite distracted from the cleaning because I wanted to look through the box.
During my search of the treasure chest box, I came across one of my old journals so of course, my sister was now officially on her own. I smiled as I looked through the pages at my girlish handwriting.
Between the pages of my journal were my hopes, dreams, terrible attempts at writing poetry, little hearts with initials of some secret crush… Scenes from my teenage years flashed before my eyes as I read. Some were great, some not so great but each experience played an important part in my development into the person I am today.
I thought about this a few weeks back when I was talking to one of the young ladies I mentor. She had told me that she wished she could skip the rest of her teenage years and simply be an adult. When I enquired as to why she felt that way, she poured out her heart to me about how difficult it was being a teen. She was often misunderstood by others and it just seemed that if she was an adult life would be easier.
I smile to myself. I had seven years experience being a teen and quite a few more being an adult under my belt. So, I think I was more than qualified to tell her, it isn’t any easier. She looked at me visibly disappointed by my answer but I pressed on anyway. At the end of our talk I was able to get her to see that even the negative things that happen can be used to her advantage and that she can be a stronger person because of it.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
James puts it so well in these verses. There is no doubt that we will face trials at every phase in our lives, childhood years, teen years, adulthood… however at the end of it we are supposed to be stronger more matured people in Christ.
Lord, help us to develop our relationship with you to the point that when we encounter obstacles we will always know that you are right there with us and that our trials can make us stronger depending on our reactions to them.
So beautifully said sweetie, and very true. I am glad you enjoyed your buried treasure.
My heart goes out to that young lady you are mentoring. I’m glad she has you.
This young lady is very blessed to you as her mentor. It is so true though when we are young we want to be old (and I some days like to be a little younger – hehe)…
Glad that you were able to share with her (and with us) that teens or even trials in adulthood help us to persevere, especially with Him by our side.
Thank you for sharing and blessings to your day.
You handled that very wisely Bernadine. The more years I get under my belt (and there are more than I’d like to think about!) the more I know that suffering is simply part of living, but God makes it so much more than that. If I will allow Him, He will use it for my ultimate good. You’re doing a wonderful job as a mentor!
“The thorny path bears some of the sweetest flowers that adorn life; and when with naked, bleeding feet we walk upon a flinty soil, we often find diamonds. But nobody believes that save those who have dared the thorn and the flint, plucked the flower, and seized the gem.” Elizabeth Prentiss
Thanks for the verse. Yesterday I was trying to think of some verses that fit what I was going through and that was the one I couldn’t remember. My husband also needs to read that verse too!
Amen Bernadine and I agree this young woman has so much already going for her to have you as a mentor.
Also, she already has the Lord and a relationship with Him. So much more than I had. Great post. Thank you.
An important thing to remember. That is the kind of scripture that you need to read again and again because when those trials come up, and you know what I mean, you can get lost in them so easily and forget that trials are required for greater grace. Thank you for writing this wonderful post.
There you go again Bernadine…speaking straight into my heart! God bless you! I needed those very verses this morning to share with a loved one!