REFLECTIONS

The Toy Box

The toy box sat in my closet—most of the time unbothered. It was always full of gadgets and devices that could entertain for days. And there was a time they did; yet on most days the toys stored there went untouched even on those days I whined to Mom, “I don’t have anything to do.” Most often her suggestion referred me to the toy box. Usually I would look there, but the toys piled into it seldom offered any of the thrills they once had spawned. I had played with them all before and the grand allure for them faded.

Possession of most of them had once been highly prized. Many I had begged to have, sometimes even promising that if I only had just this one, I would never need another one. But those promises became empty when new toys loomed on the horizon with exciting prospects. So a parade of new toys, all with exhilarating potential, found their way into my childhood. After a while though, they all seemed to wind their way into the toy box graveyard. The pleasure once derived from them wore off and glitter from something new would capture my fancy; and the cycle began again, and again.

My toy box with all its castaway contents has long ago drifted into memories. Today the allure of toys no longer dictates my desires—or does it? New golf clubs promise to elevate my game into excellence. Larger flat screen TV’s with UHD and 3-D capabilities promise to heighten adventures and sporting events into true life. Updated appliances, fresher appointments, and a limitless supply of cash to pay for it all easily find their way onto today’s wish list. It seems the toy box is never full enough. Yet another look reveals a toy box full of life’s greatest blessings.

Two very nice cars sit in the driveway. Our home is in a choice neighborhood and appointed with treasures of every kind. The conveniences of recent technology make life comfortable. Best of all, our lives are blessed with a loving family, caring friends, and growing faith in our Lord and Savior. Still there’s the recurring temptation to pursue just one more “toy.” It’s as if the next one will add a jewel to the toy box. But it won’t. “Meaningless,” Solomon declared. He explained that blessings from life come this way:

Now all has been heard;

here is the conclusion of the matter:

Fear God and keep his commandments,

for this is the whole [duty] of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

You are the light of the world,

Richard +

www.reflectingthesavior.org

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