Discovering Treasure (8 page)

14

Dealing with fear.

For God has not given me a spirit of fear.
She now declared this again in her mind while hurrying down the street. Get lost you old spirit of fear…. Be gone! So intent was she telling the devil off that she didn't notice the strange vehicle driving slowly past until the driver honked his horn. A horse-driven sulky, rear-up and bolted down the street, an elderly lady gripped the reins while bouncing in her seat. Oh goodness, goodness, what to do? Treasure covered her ears and screamed! She screamed so loudly that Connor ran from his office. By this time, Jeb from the hardware had jumped on a horse tethered to his front rail, and raced off after the sulky. Before long all was under control again, yet that couldn't pacify Treasure, she was furious. How inconsideration was that car driver! Seeing red! Her temper flared. As she got ready to march over and give the driver a piece of her mind, her eyes riveted to Connor, noticing for the first time, his unsteady gait. What was wrong with his movement? Yes he had told her something about his leg in Melbourne but she'd never noticed his walk so pronounced. But then, she'd never seen him move as fast toward her as he was now doing.

“Darling!” He reached for her. “What happened, did that car almost hit you?” Taking her into his arms, he held her so close and safe. He was at least, six inches taller and she fit so well into the curve of his arm that she didn't wish to move. Then realizing eyes were on them, they drew apart, but not before his eyes looked down into hers and she saw the terror displayed in their depths.

“I thought you didn't care,” her voice a husky whisper. Her hands trembled as her head swayed from dizziness.

“Not care, why I fell in love with you before I'd ever met you from all the pictures your grandmother shared. Then when I saw you I could hardly keep from grabbing you up and running off with you. But why would you want me, a cripple, a man with limitations, one who might not be able to protect you if need be. I'm not good enough for you my dearest one. My heart cries out for you but my logic tells me I'd bore you in a week.” He sounded so exasperated with himself.

So that was it. She didn't understand his feelings. How could she, she was the weaker sex and he was supposed to be the stronger one. If she was in his place, would she feel the same? She didn't know, but then that scripture resounded in her mind again and she spoke it out aloud to him. “For God has not given me or you, a spirit of fear! – Go away fear, get away from Connor, it's a lie that you are telling him!! He is good enough for me, in fact very much so, because God has given both of us, a spirit of power, a spirit of love and a spirit of a sound mind.” She looked up into his beautiful face, and kissed each of his cheeks. With her arms wandering around his neck and drawing his head lower, she kissed him long and hard on the mouth.

“Now let all the old biddies talk about that!” she laughed when finished. Both of them looked around, aware they were a spectacle. The first person Treasure set eyes on was Kelvin, who had the widest smile on his face. He began to clap and then everyone else took him up on it and clapped also.

Connor took her hand in his and walked her down the road toward her home. “I love you so much, you'll never know just how much. I hate to be so busy but on Monday I'm off to Melbourne again for the week. I've got a court case coming up. But I'll be home again by Saturday so keep that day reserved just for us, because I've got some explaining to do.”

She wasn't going to harass him and ask why or what it was about. It was enough to know that he loved her. The one thing she was very sure of, there would be no doing anything improper. Their relationship must be above board. On reaching the house they entered knowing Nellie should be home from her sewing class at the school. Ella would be either out in the garden, on the swing or talking to Paris. They were wrong on the last one. Ella was making afternoon tea and had just taken scones from the oven, the kettle was whistling and it was a good time to sit at the table and enjoy one another's company.

“Well, everything is set for Sunday, and I will be given time enough to give a short testimony. I'm no longer concerned about people knowing who I was, that's now in the past. Hopefully everyone will be discrete and not go gossiping about it to the outside world – meaning the press. We don't need strangers spoiling the tranquility of our town. I know it's not our usual Sunday for a church picnic but do you suppose we can make some nice things and have a picnic of our own, with the usual six of us of course?”

They all knew who that six consisted of, as they all got on so well together. Ellen pointed her finger to indicate her actions. “Oh, there are a couple of huge boxes that came while you've been away. I have them put into the spare bedroom, but I'm wondering what on earth you saw fit to buy in Melbourne that could be that size. That's a puzzle?” She looked quizzically at her friend, while pouring the tea. Treasure made herself useful cutting open the warm scones and spreading them with strawberry jelly. A tub of cream in the middle of the table with a spoon sitting up inside, let everyone apply as much as they liked to the top of the scone before devouring it.

“This is heaven to the taste buds I'm sure,” Connor nodded his satisfaction.

Kelvin stomped into the kitchen door in his stocking feet. He knew better than to dirty up the floor with his work boots. “Me nose is pulling me in, I can't seem to help myself, and my stomach tells me we are having Devonshire tea. Now how did you be know in' it was me birthday?” He was kidding as usual, hoping to eat more than everyone else, because they'd feel guilty at not letting him make a glutton of himself on his special day.

Nellie swatted him over the head with a tea towel. “I seem to remember you said it was your birthday when I made that big chocolate cake three weeks ago. Now if you were a Catholic, like mi old Da was, you would have had to go sit alone, and say umpteen prayers for telling fibbers. Since you're not, you'll suffer with your nose growing a little longer every time you tell another story.”

They roared laughing with Kelvin the loudest of all. In fact they were making so much noise it took Paris barking before they realized they had a guest. The talking stopped. Hearing his voice and recognizing it was none other than the minister, Ella raced out to pull him into the gathering. She sat Thomas next to her, placing all the goodies within his easy reach for the pretend party. Then Treasure realized it was a sort of happiness celebration. With the good things always seeming to happen, excitement was stimulated in the air. She didn't know how to spring her next surprise on all of them, Ella most of all.

Should she say it now in front of everyone, or wait until just she and her friend were alone? While Treasure debating this in her mind, Nellie made the decision for her. “You know, I was sort of wondering, Ella, if you could put some paint in this old graying hair of mine and kind of fashion it nice for church on Sunday. No cutting it off, mind you, or perhaps just trim the ends. It might look nice with a double bun at the back, one of those fancy kind you see the la-di-da ladies wear. What about it, lass? I'd pay you of course.”

Ella's face brightened. Looked around to see if anyone was in disagreement, she jumped to her feet and ran around the table to hug Nellie with such enthusiasm, Treasure had her answer. Then the smile faded, and Ella screeched. “But I haven't got my stuff yet.” She looked bewildered. “Treasure, remember how you were going to buy some hair dressing goods for me on your trip to Melbourne? When you came home without them, I knew you'd forgotten, so I didn't have the heart, to mention it to you. I didn't think it was important because no one has been interested in having their hair done until now. Oh! What will I do? I'm so sorry, Nellie. What if we forget the color and just give you a new style that would be some help.”

Ella's face looked so down- trodden and disappointed, that Treasure could not contain herself any longer. “How on earth would you ever think I'd forgotten something so important? I didn't forget at all, I just didn't have the room to bring them all back in Connor's small plane. I actually took it on myself to buy other needs as well, but I wanted to wait until these articles arrived before making a big suggestion to you.”

Ella looked from Treasure to Nellie, while the three men looked on mystified. “I bet what you're talking about has something to do with those two large box kinda crates I put in the spare room! Am I right?” An eager anticipation filled the air. Treasure turned her head slightly so only Kelvin was in on the scheme, and gave a wink. She needed to explain herself before letting the boxes get opened. Getting up from her she wound an arm around Ella's shoulders.

“You have never said you missed dressing hair. Yet at times I see you sitting outside with Paris and there is a faraway look in your eyes. I didn't think it was for living in Paris or for working with Monsieur Marcel, it seemed something else, and I wondered if it was to do with designing hair. Ella there is absolutely no need for you to work or make a living for yourself. I want you to know that.” She lovingly looked at Ella to try and explain further. “So, if this is not what you want, then you don't have to be a party to it. I am talking about you having your very own little salon here at the house.”

Looking at Kelvin now, she needed his help to bring this to fruition. “I have spoken about this to Kelvin and he believes it is possible. What we thought to do, with your permission of course, would be to enclose a section of the verandah at the front, and side say about ten foot by twelve foot in an L-shape where clients could be attended without entering the main house. A special footpath would be designed from the front fence to direct the steps of where the customers are to enter.”

Treasure stopped at this point of her explanation to let what was said, sink in. But from the exuberance on Ella's face, she knew the idea was very alluring.

Ella clapped her hands. “And I know just what I can call it!” Announced Ella, ‘Hair Visions' Oh! This is so thrilling! You are just like your aunt”…. She paused and shook her head. “Sorry! just like your mother, always coming up with the best hair-brained ideas, and to think, my very own salon, I can't believe it. Quick, I want to see what you have in those boxes; Nellie will have her beautiful hair after all.”

She was on her way almost running to see the surprises hidden from view. Treasure sent Kelvin to get his tools; these wooden crates would not open easily. She directed him to the large crate first. It contained two beautiful walnut-polished chairs with armrests, and two gilded wall mirrors. Smaller boxes inside, contained hair dyes, curling rollers, clips, and a hair dryer. Everything possible to set up shop in a professional manner was included. Ella's eyes shone with each new article withdrawn, she couldn't believe her good fortune.

“Oh Treasure, you are a gem you truly are, just like your mother always used to say you were.” The other box crate almost got forgotten, and with contents strewn all over the room it was no wonder it got lost in the jumble. “Don't you want to see what I have in the other container?”

Treasure was in her element now; the men looked on but not with the exuberance of the women. Treasure got help from Connor to move all the hair products back to the large box, and then Kelvin set about opening the other one. He withdrew, two life sized mannequins all curled up, bolts of materials, laces, buttons, elastics dressmaker's scissors and everything possible for making ladies clothing.

“But what are we going to do with these?” Nellie questioned.

Treasure just laughed at Nellie's bewilderment. “Why, Nellie, you're as good as any dressmaker. Many of those girls in your sewing class are going to be thrilled to make themselves a dress with your teaching. And, I learned from Connor's housekeeper, Matilda, that she has a knack for painting beautiful designs. It's time that talent was put to good use. We can't take her away from Connor, but for one day a week he can do without her, and I propose she teach her own people's children the art of sketch and layout. Why I believe we will put this town on the map with all the clever people living here.”

If the others had been taken aback by her suggestions before, they were completely floored now. What would Treasure come up with next?? Kelvin stared with his mouth agape. Connor's chest was shaking with contained laughter and Thomas nodded in agreement while seeing Treasure's vision. Finally he found his voice. “Well, we call our beautiful town of Glen Arbor, Vision Valley. Now it's living up to its name.

Saturday was a busy day for all. Even Connor and Thomas came back to give a helping hand. Timber that set outback in the yard of the Hardware for years, and grey with age, was still plenty good for building the framework. Ella and Nellie cooked the Saturday meals and for their Sunday picnic lunch. Treasure was left to feed and water the chooks, collect the eggs, and tether and water the cow. She wrote to her uncle asking him to visit for something important, at Connor's request.

After this, she became the runner of odd jobs. She had decided to make short notes for her testimony talk on Sunday, and would use her grandmother's picture off the wall to get the message across of never being fearful.

15

Treasure's testimony

The church on Sunday was full. Had word gotten around about Treasure and her testimony? It seemed so, but the more the merrier; as there were some people in this town who needed waking up. Following hymns, prayers, and announcements, Thomas introduced Treasure as Lady Bernice Seymour's granddaughter.

“Treasure came to see me the other day, very excited at having discovered the goodness of God. Knowing that we are to proclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, Treasure wanted to bear witness to all of her faith in him today.”

Silence stilled the air, and every eye watched, as Treasure walked up the front to stand on the platform. She carried the beautiful picture of the nurse from her grandmother's wall.

“I didn't know my grandparents that well, and I only visited here a couple of times as a child to stay with my grandmother. What I do remember of her was that she was very honest and always kept her word. I have actually learned more about her since coming to live in her home, than I did before, while she was alive. I don't wish to show off by saying this, but for those of you who didn't know of my grandmother's remarkable life, I will just say this. She worked effortlessly to demonstrate through years of dedication that adequate nutrition helped to eliminate disease. For this she was awarded the life title of ‘Lady' by King George. Since she rarely used her designation, many of you are likely not aware of it.

It would be nice to say that my understanding about how to be and act like a Christian was passed down to me from my family. However, in sorry fact it wasn't! Although I now believe my grandmother did acknowledge the Lord by this picture that resided on her boudoir wall, and I will show it to you all in a moment.”

It was time to take a sip of water for her parched throat. So far so good, and she said a silent prayer for God to guide her words, so that they helped the listeners in some way.

“I came to this town to run away from my old life. That's what I thought I was doing anyway. In reality I believe God was directing Ella and me, back to himself. Not many of you would have heard of me, but I worked as an international model. Ella, was a talented designer of woman's hair, and we both lived and worked in Paris.” She paused for a moment and smiled. “That's why Ella named our dog Paris, after the wonderful life we lived there. I also modeled in Milan- Italy, New York and London. Now some of you younger women might wonder how I could leave all that behind and come here to live.” She stopped talking to get her point across, seeking out the young women, to see who was paying attention. She was glad to notice Connors receptionist Evelyn Cosgrove, among them, sitting forward and concentrating with interest.

“The life of a well-known model may seem like a dream to those who have never experienced fame. In actual fact, it is very hard work and people try to make you do things that are not always savory. Thankfully, I was blessed with a very wise mother who stood for no nonsense. Otherwise, I may have been seduced by wicked schemers and ended up as many do, utilized and abused. And believe me, that is not a nice place to be left in.”

Treasure looked slowly around –, her words were having the affected she hoped, and for this she was so glad.

“How many of you come to church on Sunday because you think it's the in-thing to do? Yes, there are many who do this so that others will think they are a good person!” She looked about and saw no one took her up by providing an answer. “There are at least eight people here today who have not admitted the truth of this.”

Her gift of Discerning of Spirits had kicked in and she knew exactly who these persons were, but would not judge them as this was not what her Lord would want. Instead she looked around again, taking in every single person but deliberately looking a fraction longer into the eyes of the deceivers.

“We can fool people but we cannot fool God. Remember Jesus died on the cross for our sins before we even sinned, and he deserves our true devotion, honesty, respect, and love.”

Gazing at the clock on the back wall, Treasure knew she had gone over her time. She then glanced at Thomas, and with a smile and nod from him, she continued.

“I want to share a very important scripture with you that I have only recently come to know and understand. It's found in Second Timothy one: seven. ‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.' So now I want to ask you a question. Who puts a spirit of fear into us?”

She was pleased to see some hands raised. But the one she was especially delighted to see, was that of young Evelyn. Smiling at her, Treasure held her hand towards her. Proud to be chosen Evelyn stood and answered, “Well, God would never give us anything as ghastly as a Spirit of Fear, so that must come from the devil.”

Treasure felt she would burst with jubilation, her message had struck home!

“So now I want to show you the picture belonging to my grandmother. It is that of a nurse, whom my grandmother was. But what astounded me was the message written on the bottom. It is the scripture I have just spoken of here today. Seeing this, I understood my grandmother had a trust and faith in God. I believe that through her belief she was able to find the power and execute her knowledge to help others in a profound way. I am going to hold this picture up now for all of you to see. Look and remember. With Jesus Christ in your life nothing is impossible when you allow him to lead yourpath and destiny.”

Treasure held up the picture to a silent congregation for a few minutes to allow God's message, time for contemplation. Then she bowed her head and prayed aloud.

Tears swelled and overflowed in the eyes of many. Treasure walked back to her seat, and Thomas Elderby walked up and resumed the pulpit. He opened his Bible, and then stood looking out on the sea of faces.

“I believe Treasure has given my sermon for me today. I hope many of you think hard about her message. There is just one thing I would like to add. In Proverbs 29:18, it is written, ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

The young Shepherd looked out at his sheep. “Treasure spoke about a spirit of fear. If we allow that spirit into our lives then we will never accomplish our true vocation, or vision. – We all need to have a vision because without one, we feel hopeless and we give up on life. Now not everyone has the same vision, and that's how it should be. In life we all help one other with whatever gifts God gives us. When we use what he gives us to our best capacity, then he will bless us for doing so. Never think your gift or your vision is too big to attain or too small to be important. Read your Bible and you will see, God used the simple people to confound the wise, and to achieve great feats. You are all special to him, so make him proud. Now let us stand and sing our thanks.”

The hymn chosen could not have been more appropriate. ‘Praise God from whom all blessings flow.'

Many stopped Treasure for a talk on her way out the church doors. Some of the older folk remembered her grandparents, mother and aunt well. They all said it was a pleasure to meet her and to see her love for Jesus and for the help she was bringing to the valley.

Evelyn Cosgrove waited at the back of everyone else, wanting to speak to her last. Treasure felt Evelyn may need privacy so led her over to a table farther back than the one Nellie and Ella were beginning to set. Evelyn's father stood keeping an eye on them from afar while talking to Connor, perhaps realizing Evelyn needed time.

Evelyn smiled weakly, “You knew didn't you, when you said there were people who only came to church for show, you knew I was one of them. I saw the way you looked me right in the eye! I feel so terrible.”

Treasure listened with an occasional nod. It was best to let the girl speak it out without interrupting or being judgmental.

“I see now how very bad mannered I appeared to you the first time you came into Connors office. You see, I've lived in this hick town all of my life. I've never had the chance to travel like my brothers have, them being boys. That's the hard part of being a country girl, you don't get much life.”

Ella kindly came over and gave both Treasure and Evelyn a cup of tea, offering milk and sugar and waiting for them to be added before walking away again. Evelyn was at a loss for words, she believed life was hopeless. Treasure could only imagine with a strict country father, that it was likely that way.

“What would you like to do, Evelyn, is there anything at all that you feel might be interesting?”

She took one of the girl's hands in hers and caressed it in the way her mother used to do with her when giving comfort. Evelyn lifted her eyes, looked straight into Treasure's, and posed the question to her that Treasure had hoped she wouldn't.

“How did you know about me and those others in church? And how come you didn't tell who we were. That was kind of you.”

Treasure chuckled; Evelyn didn't realize that a couple of weeks ago she would have put them in quick smart with no concern about feelings. But her attitude was softening with the love of Jesus and knowing how he himself forgave. Realizing this in turn helped her to understand that no one was perfect and they needed to work out their own salvation as she had had to do. So now Treasure attempted to give Evelyn an explanation.

“Listen, I was much like you once. The only person I thought about first, was myself. Then I realized my attachment for my mother and later my friend Ella. Loving them was a gift from God that I didn't comprehend at the time. God is love, and when we can give ourselves over to that unselfish love, we received love, in return. That's when we understand that in caring for others and having them care for us gives meaning to life.” She took a long sip of her tea, so Evelyn did the same.

“And now I will tell you a secret, and then I am going to ask you to do something to help you to understand that secret. Can I trust you with that?” Treasure knew that sharing secrets was a way of getting someone to know you feel they are can be trusted. She wanted this lass to begin to feel better about herself and know that she was important. With a rapid nodding from Evelyn, she shared.

“Many times in my life I have known things that of my own accord were impossible for me to know. I used to call it my sixth sense. What a silly name that is, and it really means nothing. Well, Evelyn, now I know that God, who is the ruler and the King of the whole universe, gave me some special gifts. I am no better and no more entitled to get these gifts than anyone else. In fact, many people are given these gifts. Some people reject them. Others accept them and use them for good. Now your part in this secret is to read First Corinthians chapters 12 and 13. Then, you will understand more about this, and perhaps, you will ask God what your gifts are. After you do this, just sit and love on him. Sing a hymn or just keep praising him. I am sure that he will tell you something. Now –, that something might feel like it's you telling yourself. But, if it's something you would never have thought of, then it is God telling you.”

Treasure leaned over and gave Evelyn the biggest hug, and then kissed her cheek. “Never forget you are a child of the King, and as that, you are his princess.”

Evelyn looked like a light had come on inside of her. She stood up and looked over to where her father waited. “Thank you so much for talking to me today, Treasure. Can I come and see you some times and have more talks?”

“Oh course you can.”

Evelyn walked over to rejoin her father, then turned to wave, and her father did the same. Treasure felt stronger within, knowing this young girl would go a long way in life and also knowing it wouldn't be too long before she accepted also Jesus.