When asked by his aides why the clock was so valuable, he explained to them that he had committed certain parts of the day to prayer and meditation. His clock was his constant reminder of exactly when he was to stop what he was doing ~ no matter how important ~ and offer his full attention to God in prayer. He treasured this simple watch because it connected him to God.

So, what do you treasure? Or better yet, what would your closest relatives say you treasure the most? Your car? Your CD collection? Your wardrobe? Your looks? Your house? Your children? Your spouse? Your reputation? The plight of the poor? Prayer? Everyone treasures something! And if you want an honest answer to what YOU treasure you just have to look at two things: Your watch (what you spend most of your time doing AND your checkbook (what you spend your money on). Your relationship with Christ and bearing witness to the Gospel he preached, is to be treasured above all else. It is the pearl of great price. So, when you check out a college for yourself or your child, do you also check out where the nearest church is on Sunday? When you make sure your child is on time for sports practice, are you equally diligent when it comes to his or her religious education? Whatever you treasure, be sure it leads you closer to God. If it doesn't, it's time to let it go.