When a little is a lot...

     When I was small, I loved playing with marbles. I didn't know the rules of the game, but that didn't matter. I was more interested in lining up the marbles and watching them roll down the gutter, or holding up my favorites--the Cat-Eyes--to the light, marveling at the beauty of their translucence. I kept the marbles in a faux-leather pouch in a "secret place" in my closet. 
     As years passed, I'd lost--yes--(pun intended)--my marbles. It wasn't until much later I found them in the attic. The pouch had disintegrated. Only a few Cat-Eye's were left; the remainder were opaque solid colors.  
     I loved the marbles, but they were no longer a significant part of my life. I dusted them off, cleaned them up to a shine, bought a new pouch, and set them out with other items for our yard sale.        
     A little boy was thrilled to find them. I handed the pouch to him and said, "Today the marbles are on special; that is, for free." He ran to his mother excitedly. "Mommy, look!" he said. "I found a treasure!" What had become insignificant to me was now a treasure to him. Sometimes a little can be a lot.  
     Insignificance. It shows in society, too. Over two thousand years ago, a humble Teacher, Rabbi, Master, Counselor, and Savior-To-Be was looked upon by many as insignificant. He was a King without a throne, he had no home of his own, had no formal education, and had no riches. Yet, by the authority given to him by God, he performed miracles, healed the sick, made disciples of men, and committed no sin. He was ridiculed, beaten, whipped, stripped, and hung on the cross to die by those who thought little of him, believing he was a criminal.      
     To the rest of the world who believed in Him, however, He was--and still is--greater than any treasure that could ever be found. He died--with arms wide open--offering us Salvation and Life Eternal.  
     So many years ago I was intrigued by the brightness of the Cat-Eye marble. I could never have imagined anything else to be more beautiful. But that was little in comparison to finding real treasure--the treasure I found through Jesus Christ. As insignificant as I felt my self-worth was, the Lord dusted off my insecurities, cleansed my soul, and showed me I can shine starting from the inside.         
     Jesus is the One True Light. He came so that all might know Him. There's no need to wait for a special day to find Him. He's available 24/7, day or night. No cost involved. He paid the price. His grace is free. 
      Sometimes what at first seems like a little...can be a lot...

     Happy Easter - Know that You Are Loved!