Hidden Riches

The early history of Plumas Eureka State Park and the surrounding Plumas National Forest is centered around hard rock mining.  On May 23, 1851 a group of miners discovered an exposed quartz ledge on the east side of what is known today as Eureka Peak.  This outcropping was found to be rich with gold.  Thirty six miners formed the Eureka Company and the rush was on!  Through the ensuing years many other small boom and bust companies worked the mines and ownership changed frequently until a British company, the Sierra Buttes Mining Company, Ltd stepped in and consolidated all the mines in the area.  This mining operation continued to operate profitably until the turn of the 20^th century.  Occasional periods of excitement along with the hope of renewed prosperity kept the mines going until eventually, the mining operations tapered off and were finally discontinued in 1943.  (see: http://www.plumas-eureka.org/history.html for more details)

What’s amazing is that during the 92 years of mining at Eureka Peak (originally called Gold Mountain) over 25 million dollars worth of gold was taken out and approximately 65 miles of tunnels were carved in and around the mountain.  The entire park is like one huge museum.  The area is literally filled with discarded mining equipment, buildings, and tailings from the mining operations.  The center piece is the semi-restored Mohawk Stamp Mill located at the base of Eureka Peak, where 8 million dollars worth of gold is said to have be processed.

When one glances at the mountain from a distance, you would never imagine the amount of wealth that was found deep inside.  This same thing could also be said about you and me!  God has placed many unique and special talents and abilities deep within each of us.  But just like at Eureka Peak, the treasure within has to be dug out in order to be revealed.  For many the effort to tunnel out the gold through miles of rock was unthinkable, while to others with vision and determination, it was well worth the sweat and toil.

Where do you count yourself when it comes to discovering and then mining the treasures deep inside of you?  Psalm 92:5 says “How spectacular are your works, O Lord!  How very deep are your thoughts?”  (Gods Word ©)  One consoling part of this comparison is that we don’t need a pick and hammer in order to retrieve the deep things of God.  I Corinthians 2:10 says that “God has revealed those things to us by his Spirit.  The Spirit searches everything, especially the deep things of God.” (Gods Word ©)  We discover our hidden treasures by spending quiet time with God and by following the directions and leadings of the Helper that He has given to us as we study His Word.

Just think… it took multitudes of individuals, big business and countless thousands of dollars of equipment 92 years to pull out the riches God had hidden in Eureka Peak.  That’s a good lifetime for most of us.  It’s about the same amount of time that we can and should spend searching out and discovering ALL that God has placed deep in us. 

Hummm… hidden treasures inside.  It kind of gets you excited doesn’t it?  Think about all the riches that God has left just for you to find and profit by.  Riches of righteousness, peace, joy, gentleness, wisdom and honor, for you and for others to benefit from.  So, get determined, get focused and get EXPECTANT as you search for the hidden riches that were designed and planned specifically for you!  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself… “What RICHES am I expecting TO FIND today?”