Two of the most expensive sort of documents are left-over in my closet. The cost was high (you could calculate the contemporary cost, if you wanted), but their time has past. They're on a table today, as I think what to do with them.
The oldest is a Diploma from the University of Texas, old-style parchment, with signatures and attachments, from the Medical School in 1896. There's even a graduation picture to go with it, on the front steps of "Old Red", men in black robes each holding (in the fashion of the day) a white lily.
The second is a 1926 Rice Institute diploma, very much a study in elegance, simple black on white, no flourishes, an embossed college seal at the top, with the signature of only President Lovett at the bottom. Today it looks totally fresh, as if printed yesterday.
The cost of getting one of those today is staggering. The value of either of these particular ones today is negligible. Almost reminds one of the general understanding of Jesus: let today's "whatever" be sufficient for the day.
Which brings to mind, while holding these two documents: What things do I acquire, or have I acquired, which have completed their usefulness. Whatever their cost, their day has passed. The Bible is full of wisdom on this. Put not your trust in princes and chariots (needs a little translation for today, but basic!). Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, but treasures in heaven. Where you treasure is, there is your heart also (and vice-versa).
So, what is the treasure to pursue? No specific answers follow, of course, for this needs to be translated into each individual's life process. But the process itself, for every disciple, has to include the value structures that Jesus taught. Love God. Love your neighbor. Make those the FUNCTIONAL priorities as life flows.
The diplomas? Oh, they opened doors, built me a heritage, shaped my vision of life. They have a high value for me (no market value, but highly personal). There are others to go with them, including my own, which have also followed the same path. They are now trophies to lay down................. ah, but powerful in the impact of tools for real life, and for following Jesus.
Blessings.
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