Diamonds and Roses, The Best Gifts of All

Have you ever viewed the world through a child's eyes? Have you ever really looked at the everyday and seen the extraordinary? How overwhelmingly delightful the world must be! Lately, Lucas and Ashlee have discovered the wonderfulness of natural "yard berries." You know, those pesky little red berries that grow in the those pesky clover patches that consume your yard? Luke detests them, but my children delight in them completely. They love exploring the yard and finding hidden "treasures". I watch as they bring them to me, running full speed to seek my approval. Their eyes search my face for a glimpse the same excitement they revel in. I gladly accept each and every token of their love, but (admittedly) I return each treasure to it's natural habitat when little eyes aren't looking(shhhhh)!

Each time my children seek out treasure, it is pure joy. Rocks become bits of gold and diamonds, berries become beautiful jewels and weeds are breathtaking roses. They are so excited to share them with me, hoping each time I will cultivate a response worthy of their gift.

Last night was my long-haul teaching night. I am on the computer, tutoring from 6pm until well after 10 o'clock. I miss dinner time, bath time and bed time with the kids, leaving in all in Luke's hands. At about 10:30 last night, I drag myself into the bedroom, ready for some rest. I am a little peeved that there are still miscellaneous trivial tasks that need to be completed before I too can crawl into bed. I finish up the last of my "to do list," wash my face, brush my teeth and head for the kids' rooms. I peek in on each of them sleeping (one of my favorite times of the day). I check to make sure all the doors are securely locked, the alarm is set and nothing perishable has been left out in the kitchen. Ready for my pillow I walk into our bedroom.

As I am about to crawl into bed and enjoy our fresh sheets, I notice the most amazing gift on my nightstand. Beside my alarm clock, one or more of my children has left me a gift. It melted my heart to know that even though I couldn't be outside that evening exploring the yard, my children had found a treasure especially for me. It was a heartfelt offering that only a mother could love.

As I looked at my treasure throughout today, I began thinking about my relationship with God. I thought about my worth and my value. Sometimes I am too quick to count myself as ordinary. I easily cast aside the talents and strengths that He has given me because I cannot see their worth. Although my achievements may be just like everyone else's, they are special to my Savior. Even though my life is as boring as any ordinary rock in the yard, it is special because it was given, and is sustained, by a marvelous Creator. Although to this world I may seem as common as a wild weeds, to my God I am as beautiful as the most breathtaking rose.

As you scroll down to see the greatest gift of all time, I encourage you to see it in the same light that our Savior views you. Though to the world you may be a rock or a weed, to the God of Creation you are a Diamond and a Rose.


Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. ~ 1 Peter 3:3-4