“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” —Luke 12:34 (NKJV)
It had been one of those weeks at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center where I work; I’d had trouble remembering the Lord’s blessings. Amid all the confusion, my boss reminded me that I was to work at the ambassador’s desk, our welcoming place where patients and family members stop to ask for information or directions.
I hadn’t been at my post long when a young girl came up to me, pushing a wheelchair. An elderly gentleman with a crop of snowy-white hair was seated in it. He wore cotton periwinkle-blue pajamas that still held creases like they might have been in a gift box.
“Would you mind watching Grandpa while I get the car?” Then she added, “I need to let you know. He doesn’t talk or anything and has Alzheimer’s disease.”
As the girl left, I wrapped an arm around the veteran’s shoulders. “You’re with me for a little while,” I said into glassy green eyes and gave his shoulders a squeeze.
Then the most unbelievable thing happened. The gentleman gazed into my eyes and marveled, “We’ve got a treasure here, don’t we?”
“You’re the treasure,” I answered.
“World War II, army,” he continued. Then utter silence ensued until his granddaughter returned.
As the periwinkle pajamas disappeared through the exit, I thought of how I needed that reminder in the worst way.
Yes, Lord, these dear veterans, this job of mine, it’s all a treasure. I forgot for a little while. Thank You.
