She had laid up her treasures on earth only, rather than on the heavenly. . .
Here I go again, motivated to write by something about which I have read. As many readers may remember, I have been reading the series of books entitled "Anne of the Green Gables" to my daughter.
These books are written in a more formal, old-style language that children of my daughter's generation no longer hears spoken or even reads in their modern novels. Once more, I found myself lying at my daughter's side surrounded by the youthful hues of blues, greens and purples that adorn her bedroom as we were transported back to a time of gracious living and simple, nature-centered pleasures. We had come to a scene in the story where one of Anne's girlhood friends was dying of consumption -- a term for a disease almost unheard of in our modern world.
Anne's dying friend, Ruby, had been a beautiful, out-going, self-centered and somewhat flirtatious girl of Anne's youth. Anne had frequently felt envious of Ruby's attractiveness throughout their school days, especially Ruby's long, golden braids. Furthermore, Anne admired Ruby's gay and playful manner. Ruby had many beaus and suitors. Anne, by contrast, was more studious, spiritual, quite temperamental and headstrong. Anne would rather be frolicking in the woods looking for natural treasures such as flowers or pine-cones or re-enacting a favorite book, rather than seek the attention of boys.
Yet, at the scene in which I found myself reading, Anne was rethinking her admiration.
Ruby emotionally expresses her fear of death. She proclaims her apprehension of heaven. Heaven, Ruby fears, will not be what she is used to -- "no social gatherings or elegant silk dresses, no choices of any number of men to marry." She adds that she is sure "heaven will be beautiful, the Bible says so." Yet, Ruby worries she will be frightened and homesick when she arrives in heaven. Anne realizes that what Ruby said was "horribly true. Ruby had laid up her treasures on earth only; she had lived solely for the little things of life -- the things that pass -- forgetting the great things that go onward into eternity, bridging the gulf between two lives and making death a mere passing from one dwelling to the other."
As the scene continues, Anne believes that God will take care of Ruby, but realizes that it was "no wonder (Ruby's) soul clung, in blind helplessness, to the only things she knew and loved." Therefore, Anne tries desperately in her youthful manner, to ease Ruby's mind about what heaven will be like. As the scene closes, Ruby begins to accept her inevitable death with less fear of dying. Yet, Anne, the author elaborates, has been changed "in the deep of her soul. The little things of life, sweet and excellent in their place, must not be the things lived for; the highest must be sought and followed; the life of heaven must begin here on earth."
Even as I reread these words, I am filled with a welling of emotion. This is my earnest desire for my daughter as well as the children in which I teach. This is the battle it seems I fight with our pop culture. How can I help my daughter and other children see that despite the message they see presented in the media -- the million-dollar paid athletes, movie stars, singers and other pop culture icons do not always possess the "great things that go onward into eternity." While athletic ability, beautiful clothes/looks and talent are "sweet and excellent in their place" they are truly things that will pass. Character, faith and education are examples of possessions which are infinite. As one of Anne's aunts advises her, "Do your duty by God and your neighbor and yourself and enjoy the life you have been given . . . And your character will go on developing in the right direction."
As my daughter approaches the end of her third-grade year and draws nearer to fourth grade, I recognize that peers will begin to have a more significant impact in her life. The same is true for my kindergarten students -- the older they grow, the less adult influence there may be in their lives. It is therefore important to me to impart within these children the ability to detect what is truly important in life.
So often, we grown-ups emphasize how stylish our children look or how talented our children are in sports or artistic endeavors. While there is nothing inherently wrong in pride and encouraging a child to be their best or look their best, they need more to which to cling than these types of earthly treasures. Youth, talent and even beauty fade with years despite their sweet, although, short-term reward. Yet character, moral fiber, stewardship, grace, determination, faith, spirit and so on never fade.
These are the fundamentals with which I wish to see my daughter and other children beautifully adorned. These feelings of mine I recognize seemingly fight current fashion. Yet, I am so glad that I can read a simple book to my daughter that reinforces all those "unfashionable" ideas this "old-fashioned" mother has. May we all begin the life of heaven here on earth.
Stephanie Hill is a freelance writer and a kindergarten teacher at Burlington Elementary. She is also a lifelong resident of Lawrence County. She can be reached at hill992@zoominternet.net.
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