And it’s not only my quiet time in the morning that I find this important. As I was talking about taking Madeline out to the farm, just us, I think it’s so important to set these times aside with our kids, our families. It’s in these quiet moments of stepping away that I truly believe God reveals things to us…precious treasures. It may be something God is revealing about our own hearts that we need to work through. It may be a hint of encouragement He lays on your heart, that becomes the light you need for that very next step. Or even more powerful, it may be a lesson God lays on our hearts to share with our children. There have been many times, whether out at our friends farm, walking down the beach, seeing a beautiful scenery with Madeline that has opened the door for me to share her the wonders of our amazing Creator, a verse that pertains to what we’re seeing, etc. It’s allowed me ways to poor truth into her, which is such a vital aspect of my parenting journey and raising her to be a God-fearing, filled-with-the-love-of-Jesus, young lady.
It’s amazing to think on what power our words have. Have you ever thought about how our words have the power to make an impact that can last for years to come? I think on the powerful truths my parents poured into me when I was younger that are still with me today. I think on the mentioned above words my aunt shared with me, that I shared with y’all. And of course the powerful lessons God has laid on my heart, especially through some of the roughest seasons of my life. And these things I can then share with Madeline, praying she will hold them close to her heart and share them with her future children. Our words have power, they’re treasures. And what’s even more beautiful, they have the ability to be stored in “jars” for years to come. Let me share one of my very favorite verses with y’all. I absolutely love 2 Corinthians 4.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
~ 2 Corinthians 4:7 ~
There are two really interesting things I want to bring out here. When I first read this verse, the phrase “jars of clay” stood out to me. I read into the notes of my Bible and found out that clay jars were used for necessary household functions as they were affordable. Through everyday use, they were easily broken, but at the same time easy to repair and replaced if needed. Going through everyday life, easily broken, frail…I can’t help but think of myself as human. In my notes, it says that Paul was referring to himself here. The verse before this one speaks of the Lord’s light. God as Creator spoke light into existence. We can also look at light from another perspective, as God shines His light into our hearts. Just as I was talking about the lessons from my parents, the words from my aunt, the time I spend in God’s Word…God’s light, this treasure, is what is stored in my heart. “Treasure (stored) in jars of clay.”
I also wanted to look a little more into the idea of clay in this verse. Being used for pottery, clay can be stored for long periods of time. I also read that long ago, Chinese potters would store clay in jars for their next generation to use. As long as a little water was added, it would be ready for use once again. How cool is that?! Just as I was saying our words have power, pouring these treasures stored in our hearts into our children (our precious treasures) have the power to make an impact on generations to come. It’s truly so beautiful to think about.
I want to leave y’all with one more verse today in 2 Corinthians 4.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
~ 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
I wanted to end with this verse today, because I want to tell you something. If you’ve found yourself in a super hard season right now. If you’re feeling the weight of your personal life also caught in the heavy weight of the world around us, please know that God has a far greater purpose than anything you could ever imagine. He is not done with your story and you will one day be able to look back and use your story to bless others, all while sharing those treasures of His light you’ve stored in your heart. There are some parts of my life where I’m not there yet, but there are others where I can already see ways God has used hardships for so much good. But I believe this with all of my heart. And the best part? The treasures He revealed to me, to help accompany me through the dark times, I’ve stored in my heart to be able to share as lessons with Madeline. And use to encourage others who I may cross paths with as well. We must fix our eyes on this eternal truth.
No matter what you’re facing, whether it’s the business/heaviness life can bring our way or a difficult season you’re walking in, allow yourself to step away. Feel all your feelings and invite God in. Give yourself those quiet moments where you can work through your thoughts and find God’s whispers within. Then store them up in your heart, as treasures in jars of clay. Never underestimate the power of sharing them with others, especially your children. Because being a light for others, and this light we pour into them, is what our world so needs right now.
I so hope this could bring some encouragement to your hearts today, friends! Sending love to you all.
