Treasure Hunts

"For where your treasure is, 
there your heart will be also."

Luke 12: 34

     

     Some things you never outgrow.

     Like treasure hunts. When I was growing up we had an Easter treasure hunt.  My mom made clues that would take us to the next clue and the next, until at the end we'd find our Easter basket full of goodies.

     I passed the tradition down to my kids. It was not an easy task. Three kids meant three different treasure hunts, each tailor-made to their respective ages. Before they could read I would draw the clues, making a picture of the TV or the fireplace or Dad's shoes. When they were older, I wrote out the clues, but still kept them simple: "Where Mom makes the coffee" or "Where the cat sleeps."  
     But as they got older, they were subject to the full extent of my imagination. Suddenly, "Where the keys are" didn't mean where we put our car keys, it meant the piano, and "Vivian Leigh" would mean they should look for the next clue to be taped to the video of "Gone with the Wind." I liked the fact they had to use their noggins. They hated it.

     When the kids were in their teens I tried stopping the tradition but they rebelled and insisted. As I racked my brain for original clues that would truly test their mental abilities, I had a prophetic glimpse into the future and saw myself making treasure hunts when my kids were in their forties. 
     That future is now. Now I make treasure hunts for four grandkids! Hopefully with many more in the future.
     But enough complaining. The fact my children like the traditions of our family and look forward to them is a comfort. It's also human nature. People seek out what they know, what they can depend on. Whether it be treasure hunts at Easter, back to school shopping with lunch at the food court, or making s'mores in the fireplace on vacation.  All these traditions reinforce the fact we are a family. We are in this together and some things can be counted on no matter what.

     Like Jesus. During this Easter season it's comforting to relive the passion of his death and resurrection. We seek it out. We depend on it. Christ's awesome expression of love reinforces the fact we are a family. We are in this together and some things can be counted on no matter what. He is the true treasure we search for at Easter.

     Blessedly, some things you never outgrow.

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