Sunday, November 9, 2025
Five years ago, a man named John McDaniels greeted us at our church in Hawaii. He was undergoing treatments for cancer and seemed quite exhausted from the treatments. He didn’t always make it to church because of the pain and weariness but when able, he and his wife faithfully attended, despite the COVID threat. The second time he saw our family, he said he wanted to give us his jewelry making kit, as he would not have need of it very soon. Jewelry making, he said, was something he got interested in years ago and had brought him much joy. We accepted his kind gift but were blown away by the extent of his craft. The two boxes he provided held an unending treasure trove of beautiful beads, multiple tools, and more twine and wire and string than we knew what to do with.
Through the past five years those boxes have been brought out and put away as interest from our children has waxed and waned. Little did I know that five years later, I would be pulling out John McDaniels’ treasure box with a desire to work with the beauty of God’s creation to shape shells into jewelry. And yet, as I read through John’s memorial program, I am encouraged by his life and lasting legacy that he shared with his church and family. John’s treasure did not lie in that jewelry box, no matter how many shiny beads or fancy pendants he collected. His faith in Jesus Christ was his treasure, and now he is in the most glorious, shiny place of all beside his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
I think I have found a new hobby. There are some gorgeous shells that wash up on our beaches!! Thank you, John.
Life is Sailing 
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