Birds of Heaven

Matthew 6:25 contains some of the most well known passages in the Bible. It is beautiful in its poetry but it was always somewhat of a stumbling stone for me. We are told not to worry about our life, about what we eat or drink, or what clothes we wear. Because even the birds of the air do not sow nor reap but are fed by our heavenly Father. Jesus asks: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” But I do worry, all the time. Everyone worries. The poor especially and even the wealthy.

In Matthew 6:19 Jesus says: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven … For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

I have long thought about this idea that where my treasure is there is my heart also. Sometimes I feel like I’m getting close to understanding, but comprehension is fleeting and I am once again left wondering. What is my treasure?

Now I am finally understanding that my treasure is my relationship with Jesus. For there is my heart: in my deep, abiding longing for Christ. And then at last I also understand that this longing itself is treasure, and the pearl of great price.

God gave me the most precious gift of longing for Him.

This postcard is made with vintage flowers, papers, textures, paint, ink, and a photograph of a beautiful hummingbird among the lavender.

Reference: Original hummingbird photo by Ray Hennessy, Unsplash Photography. Additional collage by Juliette Pierce Kent.