Treasure!

There is a great treasure almost within your reach!

The biggest problem is that as soon as I start to describe the treasure, many people will stop listening for various reasons.

Some will assume they know exactly what I'm talking about, and so will stop right there. They do this because they think they already know about the treasure.

Please examine what I say. Listen to see if what I present to you clears the water or makes it more murky. Because I want for you to find that treasure.

WHAT EXACTLY IS THIS 'TREASURE'?

Honestly ask yourself what you miss most of your childhood. What were the happiest or most meaningful times you had with your parents, your siblings, your extended family? Who was your best friend? What kind of games did you like to play with your neighborhood friends?

As you grew up, who was your first girl/boy friend? What was it like to explore new, special relationships? With whom did you celebrate personal victories? Who consoled you, or was your buddy, that was there for you when life got you down?

If you married, think back to how you felt at the time about your spouse, how tremendously in love you both were. If you had kids, remember the pure wonder of what it was like to first hold them. What was it like, when your whole family was a unified, cohesive unit, a team that could handle anything, invincible?

Maybe you can only remember the dysfunction of a broken or non-existent family. None of us can paint the picture of a perfect family, because none of us have a perfect family. But knowing that something is broken is to have at least a small clue as to how it 'should' work. How do you think a family 'should' work? What do you think friendships 'should' be? What would true love really look like, to you?

I am asking all of these questions for a reason. Although in our modern times most people seem to only care about money and gadgets, toys, the house, cars, and the corner office, I would bet that what people really value is the love of their family, and spending time with their friends.

Why do you like that your shiny new smart phone can quickly link up to Facebook and Twitter? Isn't it because you are better able to talk to your friends and family?

Why is it that you want the latest car or the bigger, newer house? Why is it that some, instead of seeking riches, seek power, or fame? Isn't it because the bonfire of envy that you think will be ignited in your friends will put you in a better light, make you more attractive to them?

So it's not really about the money at all, is it? It's not really about the shiny gadgets or new car, is it? It's not really about power or fame either, is it? What you REALLY want is-- what?

Everything that you do is because you want something. Be honest with yourself. What is it?