We had a fun conversation during/after our family devotions last night. My 10 year-old son mentioned that his older brother would really love a used engine (of course, as we’ve all been privy to his recent designs to make his own motorized bicycle). He said that his brother told him, “I wouldn’t trade a used engine for 500 pizzas or a chocolate bar the size of the table and 1/2″ thick!” (Because you know that pizzas and chocolate are valuable currency.) Jonah laughed and said, “I would definitely trade an engine for a huge slab of chocolate!” So I said, “Well, what wouldn’t you trade?” And I knew his answer: a chameleon, of course.
So we all took turns saying what we wouldn’t trade; it was interesting to hear what each of the children thought was so special that they wouldn’t give it up, even for something of perceived greater value.
“’The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44)
That’s awesome, what a great family discussion! I love it when important lessons spring naturally from daily life. That’s in the spirit of “Teach these things when your rise up, when you lie down and as you walk in the way.”
That is a great conversation! We had a similar one after my 7yo decided to give away a small wooden box he had from a souvenir from Mexico. One of the children said, “I wouldn’t get rid of that!” So I was able to ask, “What would you get rid of?” Of course leading into my exhortation to them that we should be able to give away anything and all we own at any time–should Jesus call us to do so. The heart like Jesus “owns” nothing–places no value on earthly things, and would have no problem parting with any of these things should the time and/or calling come.