Priceless - The Architecture of Our Lives

The sheltered harbor of a mother’s embrace

The loyal bond of a friendship old

The cherished worth of the Father’s grace

Value that’s measured in spirit, not gold

A diamond forged in the heart of a star

A child’s first laugh is beyond all worth

Coming home after traveling so far

The scent of rain on a thirsty earth

The still between notes lends music its form

The final war, when the chaos will cease

The first wink of light on a pristine morn

The steady hum of a soul at peace

The closing cadence of a cherished song

The truth revealed in a prophet's word

The steady faith when the road is long

A whispered prayer that you know is heard

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To expound on the concept of "priceless" is to explore the very heart of what gives our lives meaning, moving beyond the world of commerce into the realm of the soul. At its core, "priceless" describes a value that cannot be quantified, bought, or sold. It stands in direct opposition to merely expensive things. A costly item has a high price; a priceless treasure has no price. It exists in a different economy altogether, one measured not in gold or currency, but in spirit, memory, and love.

1. The Currency of Connection

This is perhaps the most fundamental category of the priceless. It is the value found in the bonds we share.

• The sheltered harbor of a mother’s embrace: This is not just a physical act; it is the feeling of absolute safety, unconditional love, and belonging that we carry with us for a lifetime.

• The loyal bond of a friendship old: This value is forged in the fires of time—in shared laughter, silent understanding, and unwavering support through life's storms. You cannot purchase a history of trust.

• Coming home after traveling so far: This is the profound sense of returning to your center, to a place of acceptance and peace, whether it's a physical place or the presence of a loved one.

  
  

2. The Wealth of Inner Peace and Faith

This category of the priceless is internal. It is the treasure we find not in the world, but within ourselves and our relationship with the divine.

• The steady hum of a soul at peace: In a world filled with chaos and noise, this inner quiet is an anchor. It is a state of contentment and wholeness that no amount of material wealth can replicate.

• The cherished worth of the Father’s grace: For a person of faith, this is the ultimate priceless gift. It is unearned, freely given, and transformative. It is the knowledge that you are loved and redeemed, a truth that shapes every other aspect of life.

• A whispered prayer that you know is heard: This is the intimate connection to God, a moment of profound reassurance that transcends circumstance.

  
  

3. The Inheritance of Wonder and Experience

These are the moments of awe and sensory experience that elevate our existence, reminding us of the beauty and mystery of creation.

• The scent of rain on a thirsty earth: this aroma even has a name: petrichor. This is the smell of renewal, of life itself. It connects us to the ancient, cyclical rhythm of nature.

• A child’s first laugh beyond all worth: This is the sound of pure, unblemished joy. It is a moment of perfect innocence that leaves an imprint on the heart.

• The still between notes giving music its form: As a musician, I know this intimately. The silence is not an absence of music; it is the music. It is the tension, the breath, the space that gives the notes their power and meaning.

  
  

To call something priceless is to recognize it as a cornerstone of our humanity. It is to understand that the things that truly sustain us—love, faith, peace, beauty, connection—operate on a plane far above the marketplace. They are the things we build our lives upon, the memories we return to for comfort, and the truths that guide us. They are not merely decorations; they are the very architecture of our lives.

Author's note:

The image above is a detailed architectural rendering of my life, intertwining elements of music and military service. It features a grand, cathedral-like structure with towering spires, symbolizing a spiritual journey. Inside, a library filled with books and manuscripts reflects literary pursuits. A grand hall with a stage and musical instruments signifies a passion for music, while a section with military regalia and artifacts nods to time in service. Sunlight streams through stained-glass windows depicting scenes from books and the military, casting a warm, inviting glow. The scene evokes a sense of profound connection between faith, literature, and the sacrifices of military service.