There is something magical about stumbling upon an undiscovered gem- something that is worthy of attention but has somehow escaped the notice of others.
Whether it’s a particularly charming cafe, a serene beach, a unique antique shop, or a song that months later makes the Top Ten, part of the magic is the fact that it hasn’t yet been discovered.
And once it is discovered, somehow it loses a touch of its charm.
George Town is one of those undiscovered gems.
Located on an island off the Malaysian mainland, the city we are in for this month is a rich blend of East Asian, Indian, Chinese and Western cultures.
Vibrant street art, magical views of rustic rooftops, sparkling seascapes, charming dock scenes, unintentionally hipster cafes and art galleries, and historic architecture make this city an artist’s fantasyland.
As I wander the Old Town streets, I can’t make it but a few blocks without stumbling upon a gem that makes my soul dance with delight.
I feel like a kid in a candy shop.
And who would have thought?
Last month when we found out that there was a route change to Malaysia, I knew nothing about this country. I never would have thought to come here, but it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite cities in the world.
And the quality that makes it particularly intriguing to me is the fact that it is undiscovered. In contrast to Paris or Rome, except for a handful of backpacking Aussies and cruise ships of wealthy Chinese, this city remains untouched by tourists.
It is a hidden treasure that is unaware of its own charm, just waiting to be stumbled upon.
One of my favorite aspects of God is that he is full to the brim with hidden treasures.
He has giant chests of treasures waiting for us to discover.
There are secrets, deep secrets-
mysteries, truths and thoughts deeper than the wisest scholar could hope to understand. And it all belongs to God.
And the best part is that he wants to tell us his secrets and show us into his hidden rooms of blessings. He bids us to come in, to sit a while on his red grandfather chair so that he might discuss with us the deep truths of the world.
He never runs out of blessings for us because there is simply too much for one lifetime. We can spend a hundred years with him and his wells will barely be dipped into.
He is simply too big.
And to me, the process of discovery is the fun part.
If it was all out in the open, exposed for the world to see, why would I pause to listen? Why would anyone pause to listen?
Exposed to society, beautiful things quickly become abused, exploited, overused, manipulated and eventually left on the side of the road as ‘common place’.
The treasures of God are far too precious for that.
So rather than being thrown into a wrestling match, we are invited on a treasure hunt.
With the Word of God as a treasure map we go searching for ancient hidden gems, that way only those that look for God's treasures will find them. Because the ones that humbly seek are percisely the ones that will cherish God's gifts and protect their sacredness.
And thus the Christian walk is one of discovery.
We are constantly stepping into new shoes, opening new doors, and finding antique stores filled with precious trinkets.
We only stop growing when we think that we have arrived, that we have it all, that we know all there is to know and feel content where we are.
This Race is changing me, but it’s not because I’m finding all the answers. It’s because suddenly I realize how much more there is to discover and how much more God has for me,
and I am determined that for the rest of my life to never again stop looking.
There is no end to his treasures –
but it’s up to us to hunt for them.
* All the street paintings in the photos above are the work of Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian artist that has created a series of paintings in the streets of George Town.
