When I was a kid, my mom had an old, metal, half-pound coffee can she kept in the bottom-right drawer of her old wooden sewing cabinet. Opening the drawer and lifting the can carefully from its resting place, it made sounds like the small beads moving rhythmically in a maraca. To gain entry into this treasure trove, I used my fingernails and held my mouth just right to pry the metal top from the coffee can. Finally, after much tugging and straining, the lid released its grasp from the can and the treasure was exposed. Inside were buttons – plain round buttons for shirts and blouses, large buttons for coats and sweaters, and bright, shiny rhinestone buttons found on our holiday and special occasion clothing.
Eventually, when I moved out on my own, I found an old coffee can and created my own button box. I filled it with left-over buttons from my sewing projects, random buttons I found, and the extra buttons provided with my more expensive garments. I felt good, it was like a rite of passage. My collection of little treasures stayed in that coffee can for years before I realized I never used a single one of them. I just kept collecting buttons and occasionally would take a peek to make sure they were still there.
I began to realize my button box is a lot like the hurts I collect in my life and keep carefully hidden away from others. Sometimes, I can hear their rattle when my mind returns to a painful memory. Often, I pry the lid off my collection of hurts and slights just to revisit the pain. What a silly thing to do!
It’s time to empty the painful little treasures from the button box and let go of the hurt. I don’t need to hold on to the painful memories and experiences. I need to learn to forgive those who contribute to my collection. May I in turn learn to be kind and forgiving to those around me. My real treasure is in heaven with the One who so freely forgives me.
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)
Simple Faith 