My Preciousssss….
We are treasure seekers. All our lives we seek things that will bring us happiness, satisfaction, comfort, security, and confidence- at least for a time. And though through different means, we are driven by the quest to build riches– though riches of different types.

Commonly, we strive to gain material treasures. Education gives us the capability to fend for ourselves and make money in a more secure manner. Those who can’t keep up with the rigors (or boredom Ninang!) of education risk more (against all odds) and use their raw talent and skill (or parents money?) to gain financially. Some just risk their reputation for easy, instant (crime does not pay!), and bigger riches. Some capitalize on their looks (Mowdel Ninang? “Pwede rin artista.”)

Others have an undeclared quest for respect and power. The power to influence, the privilege to direct people (kinda Lording it over people Ninang? “Hmmm.. Not all”) bring uplifting, maybe addicting, satisfaction. Some try to cling to such positions as long as they can. Ambiguity may be their greatest fear.

Some invest on relationships for emotional (sometimes financial as well..) benefits. Ahhh..To love and be loved is life’s greatest reward (cheesy Ninang!). But what better relationship than that offered at no cost higher than what has already been given to have it (are you talking about God sacrificing his Son Jesus who was obedient unto death that we may become God’s children Ninang? “Yup!”). That is riches beyond measure (eternal life!!).

We come into this world naturally seeking what’s in it for us. Only to discover the best treasures are those which allow us to consider what’s in it for others; those that allow us to give more. These we must find and cling to–possessions and relationships which build and allow us to give progressively. When you have something that enable you to share more love, time, effort, and money and to more people, you have treasures like no other. After all, what better evidence of having, than in its giving.

What treasures do you seek this year? More knowledge? More friends? More money for comfort, trips, and long-desired luxury? Will you be more adventurous and go to “unchartered places” (you mean beyond your comfort zone Ninang?) to find it? Or play it safe in the routinary which you have once discovered to be of great value? Are they worth having? Will they allow you to give more unconditionally? Or entice you to want and get more for yourself?

Smeagol, later becoming Gollum, has been perverted by a ring he considered most “precious” (my precioussss..). Twisting both his mind and body, what he treasured most has corrupted his being and enslaved him for the rest of his life. If for its material purpose, treasures should create beauty and make you shine! It should not imprison you in fear and anxiety but accord you peace and joy. Your “precious” must make you free. Free to choose what is good. Free to give what is good. But Not all that glitters is (gold Ninang?) Good. 🙂
– Ninang New Year thoughts
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” (Matthew 13:44)

“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.” (Matthew 6:19-21)