Matthew 6:21

When you are older, I hope you are exposed to all sorts of wisdom from all sorts of places: the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, the Bible and many other texts -- religious and non-religious.

But as I think about what I might want to share with you first, it might be a single line that Jesus speaks in the Gospel of Matthew. Further down, I'll give you the whole passage -- and like most of the things that Jesus teaches, the full teaching (just like the full life of Jesus) is a difficult one to follow, but one of such deep connection to the world, His life and His words serve as a source of constant inspiration.

If there is one line to memorize from the Bible (and there are many), it is this:

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

Where will you put your work, your passion, your commitment? This is something I still struggle with as an adult. And as I contemplate your arrival, I think of it more and more, because I want you to ensure you have what you need to realize the greatness within you.

But when you read the full passage, you realize that this "treasuring", this "work of the heart" is difficult business. And this is true: it cannot be bought.


Matthew 6:19-24
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
     “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy,  your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
     “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."