When things get scratched, dented and stained

The new car gets hit by a deer two weeks after you drive it off the dealer’s lot.

The new stove gets a dent while bringing it home.

The new shirt gets a stain the first time you wear it.

The new faucet that you loved doesn’t fit in the new countertop that was installed.

The faucet that does fit is functional, but not at all your style nor what you really wanted.

The new floor gets scratched while moving a sofa just moments after you painstakingly laid down every plank.

How do you say thanks for that?

This lesson is one that begs to be learned. It seems nothing ever stays new for long. Scratches, dents and stains happen all too often. And all too quickly.

When things are our treasure there is no gratitude in their ruin. Only frustration and tears and anger. We lament the money we spent, get angry at the perpetrator of their damage, and cry over the imperfection of it all. Gratitude is furthest from our mind when our treasure is damaged.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:19-21

But when our treasure is in heaven, then the things of earth hold no more value than they ought.

And every scratch, dent, and stain becomes a blessed reminder that our treasure is not here because this earth is not our home.

But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. – 2 Peter 3:13

And in the reminder, gratitude flows.

And the counting continues. #731 – #745:

• the scratches that give me the reminder once again; the rug that covers the damage
• the beauty of the new floor; a room transformed

• noticing the quiet while shoveling snow; hearing the songs of birds as if Spring were already here

• daughter’s first shopping trip with her BFF; girl giggles; matching shirts purchased and plans to wear them

• a morning spent with a dear friend

• an encouraging conference at church; anticipating what God might do; faithful brothers and sisters to serve alongside

• bringing home a touch of Spring while the snow is still piled high

• son getting silly

In hope,
Shelli

This post is linked with the Gratitude Community at Holy Experience
as I share my list of One Thousand Gifts.