Prayers and gifts bring hope to God's treasures

Coffee in hand, I listen to the morning news--news of war and trauma. It is hard to listen and to see the images. Like you, my heart breaks. And I do the things I know to do, pray and give.

Each day, I am greeted by a very different world, a world of freedom and hope. I am reminded that this world in which I live did not come without sacrifice, staunch commitment, pain, and loss. I am so grateful for those who have given so much and who are giving so much! And so, I do the things I know to do, pray and give.

I leave my house to go to the office. It is a beautiful Wednesday morning. Yesterday was cold and dreary but today is a new day! The sun is shining and it is hopeful that the temperature may hit 60 degrees. The birds are singing (one quite loudly), proclaiming it is Spring! I walk out my back door and I'm greeted by yellow daffodils. These harbingers of spring break through the ground with a wonderful fragrance and a burst of color reassuring me that Winter has passed.

Last weekend while visiting the beach, yard sale signs were everywhere, hinting Spring is here. I am amazed at the treasures avid yard sale scavengers find. They see what things can become if cleaned, polished, or given extra care. My sister-in-law Teresa is one of those people. She turns broken pieces of pottery or blemished pieces of furniture into beautiful treasures. She sees past what something looks like to see what it can become.

Close your eyes and imagine yourself at one of these yard sales. Men and women grabbing for things, trying to find a deal, a treasure. "This isn't worth two dollars," a man asserts, "I'll give you a buck."

"Where is the piano you listed for sale?" asks another lady. She finds the old rundown piano tucked away in the garage. She rubs her fingers over the keys. Taking a tissue, she wipes away the dust and dirt. The three women operating the yard sale look at each other with excitement. Maybe this dear lady will take this piece of junk off their hands.

"How much for you want for the piano?" she asks. "Fifty dollars if you pick it up today," the three women say in unison.