I remember as a little girl, I would often collect “treasures.” These might be ordinary items to someone else, but to me, these things were priceless.
Old, shiny buttons, colorful scraps of fabric, and “wheat pennies” were a few of my favorite collectibles. I also found a few other things that I would toss in my “treasure box” (AKA an old, cardboard shoebox) from time to time. Items such as Cracker Jacks prizes, bird feathers, banana split spoons, and four-leaf clovers took up residence in my treasure box, as well.
When I grew older, it was with bittersweet reluctance that I dispensed with my beloved treasure box. I outgrew the time-worn, cardboard container, and like the proverbial ship that sailed in the night, I bid it and its contents goodbye. I’m sure that the garbage collectors thought nothing of the ratty, brown box that I’d tossed in my parents’ big can with the other trash. For me, it marked the end of an era.
The rest of my adolescent and teen years were no longer defined by odds and ends of childish whims. My little girl treasures were replaced by newer, more pertinent keepsakes–photos of favorite classmates, a diary much like John Boy’s, award ribbons, a dried corsage or two, and an assorted collection of favorite birthday cards.
Since I held these items in higher esteem than past treasures, these were the things I relegated to a new treasure box–a yellow, double-decker sewing kit affair. I didn’t sew (no matter how much my momma tried to interest me in that particular aspect of homemaking), so I decided to make better use of the roomy box with its many compartments, plastic dividers, and lift-out shelf.
When I left for college, sadly, I gave up that treasure box, as well. (I do still have some of the “treasures” from that one though.)
As I’ve matured, I’ve put away some of my childish things. (Hmm…remember in 1st Corinthians, Chapter 13, where the apostle Paul talks about this?)
I’ve come to realize that treasure boxes and their contents (no matter how sentimental they may be) no longer hold the same meaning for us once we grow beyond them. Our treasures may still evoke feelings of nostalgia and bring to mind lovely memories, but if they sit long enough, eventually our prized possessions become old, dusty, and worn out.
Since I’ve studied the book of Matthew this week, this passage of scripture seemed to sum it up beautifully… “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21 NIV)
Even as I write, I always try to put God first. I ask Him to bless my efforts and to keep me mindful of the fact that any and all gifts I might have come from Him.
Though the treasure box in the above photograph is indeed splendid, I no longer have one. I still have special keepsakes that hold great significance but, for me, storing them in a container of some sort is no longer really necessary.
They’re not worth anything if they just sit and gather dust. I suppose the same could be said for us.
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Have you ever had a treasure box? What are some things you stored in it? What might you put in a treasure box now, versus when you were a child?
Comments 6
Cynthia, I think it’s neat that you had a treasure box. It’s a testimony to your sentimental side and sweet spirit. I still have a treasure box with little trinkets inside, like a troll and piece of petrified wood. In fact, if I were to tell you about the many boxes that house photos and memorabilia, you’d know I’m quite sentimental, too.
Author
Keli, I still have many storage containers (for photos, cards, and odds and ends) just not a designated “treasure box” anymore. I do find that clear, plastic containers with lids help me to stay organized. Things I would have once placed in a treasure box, though, are now displayed in the open so I can visually enjoy them.
I kept my treasures in an old cigar-type box. I know all too well what was in it, as someone returned it to me not too long ago. I had the same Cracker Jack prizes, marbles, small souvenirs and trinkets. Most went in the trash, a few I saved for a collage. Today, my treasure box would hold my Bible, a love letter from my Father. I LOVE your closing thoughts about sitting and gathering dust.
Author
Ahhh, the scent of those old cigar boxes! (We used to get the cast-offs every year from the local drug store to be used as our pencil boxes for school.)
(And about gathering dust…it’s so true! Why, just this morning I think I saw a cobweb hanging from my fingers as I typed away…Unfortunately, writers have to sit. Alot. 🙂 )
I did have a treasure box. It was my grandma’s old jewlery box. I collected (and still do) wheat pennies, award ribbons, stamps, fancy (but cheap) gaudy rings, and old sparkly, glittery Christmas cards…loved them and still collect them!
I also had things that from special life moments. A bottle cap, notes, pictures, a popcorn box…etc.
Great post.
Author
Loree, I’m tickled to know I wasn’t the only one who had a treasure box. I wonder if any of my gentlemen readers would admit to having one? I’d be interested in knowing what things held special meaning for them, too…