I have an addiction, it has been by addiction for decades, yes an addict of antiques. It started off small, dazzled by grandma’s things, then it grew. I found myself visiting garage sales, flea markets and even thrift stores to get my fixes. Always looking for the “diamond in the rough”. I think my favorite prize thus far is a leather covered picture frame that is hand-tooled with art nouveau patterns from the early part of the last century, it is bold and beautiful. One of my more valuable discoveries, I think, is a stole from the 17th-18th centuries – very nice and much better kept now that I know it’s date of manufacture. Even today we pulled a table from a storage room in the “dungeon” a filthy piece that had been covered in a formica textured red contact paper. After a bit of elbow grease, lots of pulling, and lots of soapy water a beautiful hand crafted folk-art/arts & craft sort of table appeared. I seems to be hand-made and we will have it appraised this week to be sure, but truly a beauty, and wouldn’t it be cool if this beauty had come from the hands of a parishioner, just as the castle had? A great find for the day!
At this lovely castle of the church there are a few “diamonds in the rough” among the tables and things hidden in the attics. But I often think that my early love for the thrill of the hunt for treasures is a big part of my ministry as a pastor. I myself was not from a family of longstanding churchgoers, someone found me rough as can be and brought me to church, and I’ve been here ever since. The hunt for souls searching for a home and welcoming them in is a great challenge. But the fun part is that ALL are diamonds in the rough, there are no perfect stones out there, but finding the sparkle in all is the greatest treasure hunt of all.
Finding out about people’s stories, their passions for life and ministry, what drives them to seek a higher way is a great treasure hunt! It is a joy to hear what makes people shine, what they see as their gifts and how they want to use them for the best of the community, their family, their church. When people not only dream of what they “could” be, but understand the sparkle and fullness of what they are is such a treasure.
What do you see as your gifts and graces from God – your greatest talents? How do you like to share them with others? Are you aware that you are a sparkling diamond, a gift from God to the world, whether rough or smooth cut, you are of great value!