Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. My grandmother grew up in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park before it was a park. She loved wildflowers and knew all their names. She used to tell me about her favorite flower, the pink lady slipper, and how they used to be easy to find in the park. I had always wanted to see one but they are more rare and harder to find now then in my grandmother’s day. So when I read on a post from a hiking group where one might be, I decided to go and search for them. They were on a trail that I had never been on before and no one could go with me. I knew this would be my only chance to go so I headed out alone. I had never hiked alone before and was pretty scared, but my desire to see the lady slipper motivated me to go. I was willing to take a risk to search for this flower. And I found one, not only one but several and many other beautiful wildflowers that I had never seen before. I cried many tears of joy that day. I got so much more than I ever expected and will never forget that day for I had found the pink lady slipper.
In this parable Jesus tells us that the kingdom of heaven is like this - when we search for the kingdom of heaven we will find Jesus, of greater value than anything we could posses. When we see how much Jesus loves us we will want nothing else than to walk with him, whatever the cost. And like all the wildflowers that I photographed that day, Jesus will give us so much more than anything we give up to follow him. Prayer Jesus, Pearl of Great Value, Open our eyes to your love, a love that is more than we could ever deserve. Give us the desire and courage to follow you with all our heart. Help us make you the pearl of great value in our lives. Amen
4 Comments
Cindy Stelzman
3/20/2018 02:09:22 pm
Karen, I love this entry of yours. I, too, LOVE pink lady slippers. When I see my first one for a season, I usually end up startling my hiking buddies because I let out a rather shrill shriek.
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Karen Milligan
3/21/2018 12:29:21 pm
Thanks, Cindy. It is almost time to start looking for them - if this snow doesn't hurt them. I still would love to go hiking with you. Maybe we can get together soon.
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Cindy Stelzman
3/22/2018 08:16:04 am
I have not forgotten you. I just get myself too busy too easily.
Marcia Taylor
3/20/2018 04:00:38 pm
What a precious memory!
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1 Corinthians 10:31
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1 Corinthians 10:31
© 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Karen Milligan