Hidden Treasures by Cindy Hester

by Cindy Hester

I have been spending time over the past few months tracing family trees in an attempt to know more about my family history. I have also been going through boxes of old photographs which belonged to my grandmother. Some date back to the 1800's, and I find them beyond fascinating, especially once scanned onto the computer. I could spend hours enlarging pictures looking at the details not easily picked up at first glance. There are so many hidden treasures within even the simplest of images.

As I sat closely examining photos, God began impressing on my heart the hidden treasures I often miss on a daily, sometimes hourly basis. My mind began rewinding, scrolling through past events in record speed. Every so often God hit the pause button to reveal seemingly commonplace events that ultimately led to exciting journeys or cherished blessings. Amazingly, it was during some of the most painful and difficult circumstances that I discovered the rarest of treasures. Little did I know I was about to receive yet another jewel to place in my treasure chest of memories.

A few days ago I received a text from a dear cousin who I had not seen in several years. She was flying into Houston for the day on business, and she contacted me on the chance we could meet for an early dinner before her flight home. Needless to say I was thrilled at the prospect of catching up, but I had no idea just how much of a blessing her visit would be.

The time lapsed much too quickly as we caught up on spouses, children, parents, and life in general. We recounted stories from the heart that evoked memories of precious loved ones with whom we share a deep common bond. We laughed, cried, and vented over the joys and frustrations of womanhood at this phase of our lives. We discussed the brevity of life. We pondered the challenge of balancing spiritual, family, and leisure time with the hours consumed by career and financial responsibilities. We delved into the topic of how emotionally, mentally, and physically draining life in this imperfect world can be. How comforting and uplifting it was to simply share common struggles with a woman in whom I found reflections of myself.

As we hugged and said our goodbyes I was overwhelmed by the realization of how my soul had been refreshed by her visit. Hearing how the trip had transpired, it was easy to see the hand of God bringing us together in His perfect timing. I would like to think that Daddy, Poppa Chris, and two beautiful sisters who also happened to be our grandmothers were smiling up above, watching as Lori and I revived a bond that mere time and distance could not destroy.

 

Lori's grandmother, Dorothy Wright Chrisman & my grandmother, Winnie Wright Hood (sisters)

 

Lori's Dad, Oswin Chrisman & my Dad, Frank Hood

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come thanking You for knowing what I have need of even more than I do. I thank You for the treasures You supply...treasures that give only a glimpse of what You have waiting for us in heaven. Thank You for clearly showing me these are not mere coincidence, but divine appointments. May I always be aware of Your gifts holding them thankfully close in my heart. Thank You for family, and for the most valuable treasure of all, Your Son Jesus.

In Christ's precious name I pray,
Amen