Trophy Hunter
The weekend had been scheduled long ago upon the family calendar. Early to rise the little sportster did, and in no time at all, was ready for the games. Love of the sport came easy and with it, opportunities. Thus, high hopes reigned within the heart of the one traveling.
Friday came and went as the two-hour journey to and from was repeated on Saturday. As there are no secrets in the world of sports, Sunday was no different. Friday’s game came with a loss as did Saturday, and Sunday. Although the team was gaining experience, it appeared to be a lost cause — and it was — or so they thought.
With parents tag teaming, the player was secure. Picnics took place enroute, giggles at the ice cream store — and more. The weather was fine and the fall outdoor air was invigorating. Meeting and greeting other players over the weekend brought fruit as did the primetime car ride which offered conversation.
With no trophy to be had and the games long over, the little trophy hunter headed to bed for some well-deserved rest. As any good parent does, the unpacking of goods from the weekend was in full swing once the house quieted.
Out of the sports bag came the food wrappers, out came the sweaty socks, out came the shoes, the cleats, the sweatshirt and more. At the bottom it all was one smaller stringed bag with the sport of interest emblazoned upon it. It was the final item needing clearance in order to put the weekend behind them and repack for the week ahead. Never a dull moment in the lives of a busy family and thus, the rhythm of life kept time.
As the little string bag was pulled out, an odd feel to it made the remover of take pause. Something within made it bulge and crunch. As the strings holding it shut were parted, the bag opened just enough to discover what this little trophy hunter had been hunting. There, in the midst of the quiet evening hours lay the evidence. Peering into the now opened bag, the contents of the treasured goods spilled out.
Hundreds of acorns lay before the hands of the one unpacking. They’d been found upon the ground and tucked away for safe keeping. First-class trophies had, after all, been gathered. She’d found her treasure, alright. And, it was a keeper.
Matt. 6:21 speaks as a gentle reminder: “Where your treasure lies, there your heart will be also.”
Revealed was the heart of child. Revealed was the heart of the mama who took note. Revealed was the heart of a father who enjoyed what the little hunter had found. All three reflective of community three in One.
What trophies and treasures are you hunting? Perhaps there are a few on the horizon waiting to be uncovered and discovered in the days ahead. Be blessed as you see each one given. Amen.
Kathleen Kjolhaug, OblSB
This article was first published in Theology in the Trenches, a column written by oblate Kathleen Kjolhaug. Posted with permission. Read more articles on her blog, Theology in the Trenches.
