I am very much enjoying my social media memories at the moment as photos from our epic European adventure from last year are popping up. They have the capacity to trigger fond recollections as I view pictures of famous landmarks and significant sites. This time last year we were in Paris, and today marks the anniversary of visiting the famous Musée du Louvre (The Louvre Museum).

This was our second visit to this location, and we took on board the lessons learned from the last time and carefully planned all the significant works of art that we wanted to track down. First on our list, of course, was the most famous of the Louvre’s artefacts, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

Due to some renovation works the treasure has been moved from it’s usual room. While we had arrived right on opening time, every single person that was there at that time had the same target destination. We didn’t even need to consult our map because we were swept up with the wave of other curious visitors.

In their wisdom, the Museum has introduced a queuing system that reduces the wait time to see the painting, but means you only have about 30 seconds to be in close proximity and take your photos to commemorate the event.

On both occasions of being in Lisa’s presence I had a large variety of reactions. Initially I am struck by just how small she is. At only 77cm x 53cm (30in x 21in for those who prefer imperial measurement) she has posters available for purchase in the gift shop that are way larger. In the room she is housed she is dwarfed by every other painting that covers the walls. The crowds that wait for their moment to stand before her barely glance at these other gigantic works.

There is also such a large sense of wonder to be in the same room as an image so famous and of such high worth (insured for $650million USD in 2018). You can’t help but be struck by the protection measures put in place to ensure she isn’t vandalised or stolen. This has happened a number of times in the past and she is now surrounded by security greater than any other item on display in the museum.

Another thing I notice is just how bland and muted the colours are, compared to other masterpieces. It really is, after all, just a painting of one woman, not a crowd scene or picturesque landscape. Purely from face value I fail to see what the attraction is for this particular artwork, except she is undeniably created by one of the artistic masters, Leonardo da Vinci.

Our eye is drawn to the things we hold in high esteem, the things we value. Jesus himself said that “ … where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21). How special it is to consider the fact that God, Himself, believes those that love Him are of the highest value. In Deuteronomy 26:18 it says, “the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands.”

To state that another way, in His Museum we are the exhibit of highest importance. We are in the room with the highest security and the long lines of curious onlookers. We are the treasure worth protecting. There are many times I need to remind myself of this fact.

Make sure you remember the value you hold in His eyes. You, like me, are a treasure.

Be blessed.