treasures

South Carolina ...

the Palmetto state.

Islands and beaches to the east,

mountains on the western edge.

Alligators and

magnificent, historic homes.

Remains of plantations.

Marshes and tidal rivers.

Home of my two brothers, the kings of hospitality.

I rather like South Carolina.

Out on Spring Island we explored the remains of a 19th century plantation.

A wealthy man named Edwards built it and as with most plantations,

an enormous cotton crop was produced by the labor and sweat of over 300 slaves.

The plantation resembled this over 150 years ago...

And today it looks like this ...

And a passage came to mind.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where moth and rust do not destroy,

and where thieves do not break in and steal.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 5:19-21

I like "treasures" ... nice stuff, new clothes, and quality bedsheets.

But still, that passage came to mind.

I hope the plantation owner stored up treasures in heaven,

that is, things that will outlast his plantation,

as well as on earth.