Many people have some sort of display case where they showcase things that they value.

And they may also have a place where they put things aside ...whether it's a box, closet, or attic.  Often when they get in the mood to move things about, they pick up that box of things that had lost value or become misplaced ...and without going through it again, they decide to bring it to the pawn shop. 

Then one day they may go looking for something they suddenly decide they miss ...something they had one day questioned or supposed may have more value than previously realized.

They may cry out that it's been stolen ...they may even say that Satan has taken it away, not admitting that they had much to do with what they have lost in life.  No, not by a loved one suddenly being taken from us ...but, by us perhaps taking something for granted, or not valuing it quite as much as we should have. And slowly, slowly it often drifts away ...or takes a backseat to other things, as we confidently take the driver's seat.

We drive right over things that we tire of ...and only leave tracks, that we can't backtrack on.  It's like driving on a beach, or over a sand dune ...not being able to retrace what the wind or waves have buried forever.

Where is hope??

Well, there are things that are not buried forever, but are covered by footprints that few seem to want to follow.

But, more on that later.

There are also medals and awards ...things we feel we've earned, besides trophies.

I remember a repairman who'd ask first thing when he'd enter a home, "Show me the room where the idol is."

He'd laugh when they'd ask what he meant, "You know, it's the place where all the furniture and everything in the room is centered around ...your TV."

Or sometimes you find a mixture of the sentiment of a particular home.

Yes, though you don't see many homes like this ...there are a few that consider a moose head or deer head mounted on the wall, a prideful accomplishment.  And they create their own showcase cinema.

China cabinets can be showcases not so much for trophies, but for gifts that have been given to you, or antiques passed on down through the generations.

Twitter and Facebook can be showcases for our thoughts and images which we want to share ...and feel have value enough.

All those cute little baby pics, or precious pet photos ...peppering our own personal social network sites, not without a few unrestrained 'selfies'.  Yes, that can all be good and fun.

"Hold fast, so no one will seize your crown."

An incorruptible crown ...

A crown of righteousness ...

A crown of glory ...

A crown of rejoicing ...

A crown of life ...

We are crowned with love and mercy ...by He whom the world awarded with a crown of thorns.

All crowns will be offered at the throne ...set before it, at the feet of Jesus.

Jesus buries our sins ...covering us, where we can forever be with Him.

That is something to celebrate.  We don't usually see it in any trophy room, but humbly in our hearts.

Let those faint footprints in the sand become alive ...