Adding True Value

I went for a walk today in the glorious beauty of summer. I was with a dear friend – who is really more like a sister to me – and we took off on the country road on which she lives.

Our senses were filled with the wonder of the creative genius of God the Father. 

Queen Anne’s lace framed the sides of the road while honeysuckle fragrantly danced around us.

White, billowing clouds were the massive ceiling painted by the One who spoke the sun into existence.

Off in the distance, we saw the beginnings of a grand home. It was visible through the trees and was set high on a hill. 

Although the home was not yet finished we knew exactly what kind of home it was going to become.  It will be a mansion … a palace … a castle.

It was massive … it was towering … it was impressive!

I said to my sister/friend, “Wow! They are building a million dollar home in your neighborhood! That will certainly add value for everyone else, won’t it?”

She grinned at me and said, “They can build million-dollar homes whenever they want to on my street!”

And I started to think about the fact that value begets value.

Investment increases principle.

Significance adds to importance.

And so I began another walk on that summer afternoon … the rabbit trail into the meaning of the word “value”.

What does the word “valuable” actually mean? 

What is it that is of true value in this life? 

In my personal opinion, something that is valuable is quite simply something that holds recognizable worth.  Like that house on the hill that we saw on our walk …

If a valuable item is tangible – then it probably has monetary worth or is able to bring a high price.  

This tangible and valuable item might be a painting by Rembrandt … or an original manuscript … or an expensive antique.

It might be a remarkable mansion … or a perfectly cut diamond … or a European sports car.

When I think of something valuable, though, I don’t actually mean something that is able to be bought or sold.

To me, that which is truly valuable, is not something that I can hold in my hands.

It is not a grand home on the side of a high hill.

The value that I am referring to might be an idea, a characteristic or a life philosophy that holds qualities that are worthy of respect, admiration or esteem.

I admire the quality of kindness in a person… that is valuable to me. 

I respect a person who stands up for moral virtue… that is valuable in my opinion.

I esteem the ability to set a goal and then meet that goal… that is a life characteristic of great value. 

I hold dear the blessing of living in a free country where I can go to church … speak freely of my faith … and own a Bible.

I regard the characteristic of “joy” as holding great value– I am willing to pay the price for it day after day after day.  

“Joy”, although expensive to hold onto, is worth every ounce of tenacity. 

“But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all of these things will be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33

Do you remember that when I was on that walk on the country road with my friend how we both knew that the gazillion dollar home was going to add value to the neighborhood?  Do you remember that conversation?

This is the truth concerning characteristics of value … when someone moves into your world and brings an intangible of great worth … it increases the value of your life as well.

When you meet a truly kind person … your life is better for it.

When a sincerely joyful friend shows up in your world … he or she rubs off on you.

When a man or a woman of the highest integrity begins to work at your place of business … people stop and take notice.

So … if you aren’t building a mansion in a prime location today … it’s o.k. Your life holds a more spectacular type of value that is unmatchable in the world’s economy!

Be the kindest person in your family … tell the truth when no one else does … encourage someone who is having a hard day.

Bring the valuable gift of joy to every conversation and to every relationship … volunteer your time at your church … pray for someone who is suffering. 

Those investments in what is undeniably valuable are what the world needs more of. And you, my friend, will be the richer for it!

Thanks for listening to my heart this week.  As you know by now, my heart is truly not a perfect heart but it is a heart that is filled to overflowing with gratitude for the life I have been given and for the people who walk with me.  And, it continues to be a heart that is relentlessly chasing after God and all that He is!