Ever ask that question…or have someone ask you?  Ever pick-up something and feel grateful you found a hidden treasure within your reach?

I do that every day.  I like decorating…and antiques have always held a special fascination for me.  Anything that survives for more than a 100 years and lands in my home…well, it usually becomes a new family heirloom for the future.

But how do you define value?  How do you decide what something is worth?  It’s kind of subjective, right?  I mean some things are fairly straight forward…a collectible piece of art will have an appraised value.  Your car can be looked up on Kelly Blue Book.  And your house, if you are fortunate enough to own one, has a shared value between you and the mortgage company.

I have experienced envy for things I want but don’t need… can’t have or can’t afford.  And I have pulled myself back to the basics…realizing what’s important and what really matters.

Put stock in the value you see in life.  Define what matters and who deserves to be cared for and saved, starting with yourself.

We are all guilty of putting a price on what we value.  But if we’re honest, objects and things hold no true value.  They may outlast the test of time, remaining long after our lifetimes.  But my real treasures in life are even more precious because they live and breath…are vulnerable…and don’t sit on a shelf to be dusted regularly.

My treasures are my children.  They are priceless, irreplaceable gems that make my life sparkle brighter whenever they are around. 

And unlike things that may fluctuate and go up or down in value, I know the value of my children to me will only increase and become greater year after year.  I know that having children is a gift that I was blessed with.  An investment in the future and one that will pay dividends for generations to come. 

So when you stop to check a price tag or wonder what something is worth, remember you already have everything you need at home.

M