"Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth—except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers! People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep. There is another serious problem I have seen under the sun. Hoarding riches harms the saver. Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost." ~ Ecclesiastes 5:10-14a
Life can change in an instant! We have all heard this phrase and many of us have lived through life altering events. This past week, a story has made headlines that is living proof that one can never take for granted that the riches one accumulates can be stored and never taken away.
A dentist from the United States went on a safari hunt in Zimbabwe. The riches he had accumulated through his practice took him to the other side of the world with a reported hefty price tag of over $50,000 to hunt big game. He hired the best hunting tour guides to help him obtain permits and find what he hoped would be the kill of a lifetime. I won't share my opinion on the rights or wrongs of this hunt, but rather how one decision this dentist made can change everything.
During the hunt, in one second, one pull of the trigger, the dentist's life has been forever changed. The gun was pointed at a lion that the villagers held dear and loved. This dentist who had accumulated wealth and prestige, now finds himself loathed by the community he served and by people around the world. He has now become internationally disliked and perhaps a very lonely man. Even those that may support him may feel the pressure to stay as far away from him as possible so as to not show any association with him.
The Bible heeds warning about the destruction of storing riches. Solomon, who most believe wrote the book of Ecclesiastes, may provide some great advice for us all. He wrote, "There is another serious problem I have seen under the sun. Hoarding riches harms the saver. Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost."
Life's lessons can be tough ones. It's what one gains from the experiences that defines our character and faith in God. We can all fall into the trap of thinking that more money will be the answer to all our problems and provide so much for us, but in reality, we have to vigilantly understand that God watches closely how we use the gifts He provides for us. If we have a special talent, do we share it? If we have financial means that allow us to give more, do we? If we have extra time, do we use the time wisely? If we have the ability to pay it forward, have we jumped at the chance to do so? If we have the choice to condemn or grant grace and propagate peace, what do we choose in our relationships with others?
Maybe it isn't so much about having too much of anything, but maybe it is more about how we use what we are blessed to have in this life. Perhaps accumulated wealth of any kind that is used only for self indulgence isn't what God has in mind when he asks us to give our lives away for His sake. In Deuteronomy 30:20, Moses, may have said it best, "You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” I think this verse sums it up very well.
So, regardless of how you feel about the dentist that shot the lion, remember that anyone's life can change with very little notice. If we live each day with Moses' advice, perhaps even when those devastating moments occur, we will know that we are never alone because we have invested our entire lives in a God that loves us unconditionally. If we keep our hearts in the right place with our Father, our riches will overflow into the right places as well.
Let us pray,
Gracious Father,
The world we live in puts an emphasis on obtaining riches and self-indulgence. Help us to understand that in You, we truly find the riches of life and how to share them to Your glory.
Amen
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Remodel - Renew - Transform - Love!
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 NRSV
If you've ever done remodeling in your home, you may have come to realize that the one main project you began with often leads to many other little projects. It's difficult to do one project without affecting another. Soon, one small project can transform a room into a new and inviting space that one couldn't envision when it first began.
Transforming our hearts may often have the same effect. For example when a person falls in love with a person they don't stop to think about all the things that are going to change in their own life because of that love. When I met my husband, I never dreamed that I would come to learn about so many different things. Not growing up in a sports-minded family, I didn't realize that one could literally find sports so appealing. I have learned the "basics" about football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and my favorites, tennis and golf. I didn't even know sports language when we met. I can't begin to list the multitude of wonderful things that loving my husband has taught me about this wonderful place called life.
As I grew in my relationship with Christ, I also didn't realize how my life was going to change. Even with my introvert personality and way of being, I "want" to grow closer to Christ. I care deeply about so many people and issues that I once never even thought about. I want to be an advocate for those who are less fortunate by helping in some way that God will equip me to provide for them. I want to be diligent in daily prayer knowing God hears every prayer. I feel called to be on God's fan list knowing what a great example He has set before me. Yes, I want to learn about and grow more in love with God each and every day.
Renewing our minds is directly related to having open minds. It is difficult to renew a closed mind. A closed mind builds walls of arrogance and self righteousness. An open mind invites God in to transform us one day at a time to learn about His wisdom and carry out His teachings in our daily lives. Humbleness, empathy, and understanding are found in an open mind. So, keep an open mind in life because you never know what God has planned for you. Like a home remodeling project, you may start out with one main project, but God may have amazing smaller projects for you to fulfill. God can already see what we aren't even capable of envisioning!
Let us pray . . .
Heavenly Father,
As we live out our daily lives here on Earth, help transform our minds to carry out the projects you have set before us. Lead us where we need to go and equip us with the tools we need to make a difference, one life at a time.
Amen
If you've ever done remodeling in your home, you may have come to realize that the one main project you began with often leads to many other little projects. It's difficult to do one project without affecting another. Soon, one small project can transform a room into a new and inviting space that one couldn't envision when it first began.
Transforming our hearts may often have the same effect. For example when a person falls in love with a person they don't stop to think about all the things that are going to change in their own life because of that love. When I met my husband, I never dreamed that I would come to learn about so many different things. Not growing up in a sports-minded family, I didn't realize that one could literally find sports so appealing. I have learned the "basics" about football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and my favorites, tennis and golf. I didn't even know sports language when we met. I can't begin to list the multitude of wonderful things that loving my husband has taught me about this wonderful place called life.
As I grew in my relationship with Christ, I also didn't realize how my life was going to change. Even with my introvert personality and way of being, I "want" to grow closer to Christ. I care deeply about so many people and issues that I once never even thought about. I want to be an advocate for those who are less fortunate by helping in some way that God will equip me to provide for them. I want to be diligent in daily prayer knowing God hears every prayer. I feel called to be on God's fan list knowing what a great example He has set before me. Yes, I want to learn about and grow more in love with God each and every day.
Renewing our minds is directly related to having open minds. It is difficult to renew a closed mind. A closed mind builds walls of arrogance and self righteousness. An open mind invites God in to transform us one day at a time to learn about His wisdom and carry out His teachings in our daily lives. Humbleness, empathy, and understanding are found in an open mind. So, keep an open mind in life because you never know what God has planned for you. Like a home remodeling project, you may start out with one main project, but God may have amazing smaller projects for you to fulfill. God can already see what we aren't even capable of envisioning!
Let us pray . . .
Heavenly Father,
As we live out our daily lives here on Earth, help transform our minds to carry out the projects you have set before us. Lead us where we need to go and equip us with the tools we need to make a difference, one life at a time.
Amen
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
The Blue Bag
Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me,
or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.
Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning,
for in you I put my trust.
Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Psalm 143:7-8 NRSV
Packed away in the closet the blue bag sits undisturbed. It isn't locked or zippered shut, but yet it seems impossible to open. The closet door opens and shuts, and a little part of me wants to peek inside, but the agonizing fact remains that for some reason I cannot bring myself to touch or open that blue bag.
The blue bag is filled with printed accomplishments, awards, and notes of gratitude and thanks. Yet, why does it seem so untouchable? After all, I have worked hard to obtain all the contents in the blue bag that once found a home in my office. Each says I gave my best and was recognized for my efforts.
Maybe it's not what is inside the blue bag that is causing distress, but in reality it is the fact that the blue bag no longer goes on its daily journey back and forth to work. It has sat motionless for months. The blue bag had no idea that its last days were going to end so abruptly. I think in reality, the blue bag knew that the day was coming when I was going to say good-bye. It knew my principles couldn't allow me to continue the journey I was on. The heartache of no longer having a job that one loved and worked so hard to succeed at, is hard to explain until you have walked the walk.
Sometimes, regardless of how much energy and dedication we put into something, we can find ourselves devastated in an instant. The shock and surprise can destroy the confidence and emotional stability. After all, how does one tell others that deep inside they feel like they have been defeated? Why did this happen? How does one move on?
Today, I am reminded by the Psalmist that in the midst of my feelings of despair, that if I put my full trust in the Lord, that indeed, I will be led and taught to navigate a new direction in my life. I find comfort in knowing my soul can be lifted by a loving God.
And most importantly for me to remember is that inside that blue bag is a reflection of the person I am. A person who strives to do their best in all circumstances. For those that care and call me friend and family, I have to trust that they look inside my heart and realize that I gave my best. The dormant blue bag gathering dust in the closet is a symbol that life is filled with difficult stages and in order to move on, one has to have faith in a God that is bigger than one's self.
Maybe it's time to empty the blue bag and refill it with new accomplishments as I pray for a new direction. It will take courage and determination. I trust that God will lift my soul before it falls to the pit.
Gracious Father,
At times, our lives take twists and turns that confuse us. Thank You for the reminder that You can lead and teach us when a new direction is needed.Our trust is in You. Grant us the courage and determination to move forward in all circumstances. Help us learn from the journey and become stronger in faith as we turn to You.
Amen
or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.
Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning,
for in you I put my trust.
Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Psalm 143:7-8 NRSV
Packed away in the closet the blue bag sits undisturbed. It isn't locked or zippered shut, but yet it seems impossible to open. The closet door opens and shuts, and a little part of me wants to peek inside, but the agonizing fact remains that for some reason I cannot bring myself to touch or open that blue bag.
The blue bag is filled with printed accomplishments, awards, and notes of gratitude and thanks. Yet, why does it seem so untouchable? After all, I have worked hard to obtain all the contents in the blue bag that once found a home in my office. Each says I gave my best and was recognized for my efforts.
Maybe it's not what is inside the blue bag that is causing distress, but in reality it is the fact that the blue bag no longer goes on its daily journey back and forth to work. It has sat motionless for months. The blue bag had no idea that its last days were going to end so abruptly. I think in reality, the blue bag knew that the day was coming when I was going to say good-bye. It knew my principles couldn't allow me to continue the journey I was on. The heartache of no longer having a job that one loved and worked so hard to succeed at, is hard to explain until you have walked the walk.
Sometimes, regardless of how much energy and dedication we put into something, we can find ourselves devastated in an instant. The shock and surprise can destroy the confidence and emotional stability. After all, how does one tell others that deep inside they feel like they have been defeated? Why did this happen? How does one move on?
Today, I am reminded by the Psalmist that in the midst of my feelings of despair, that if I put my full trust in the Lord, that indeed, I will be led and taught to navigate a new direction in my life. I find comfort in knowing my soul can be lifted by a loving God.
And most importantly for me to remember is that inside that blue bag is a reflection of the person I am. A person who strives to do their best in all circumstances. For those that care and call me friend and family, I have to trust that they look inside my heart and realize that I gave my best. The dormant blue bag gathering dust in the closet is a symbol that life is filled with difficult stages and in order to move on, one has to have faith in a God that is bigger than one's self.
Maybe it's time to empty the blue bag and refill it with new accomplishments as I pray for a new direction. It will take courage and determination. I trust that God will lift my soul before it falls to the pit.
Gracious Father,
At times, our lives take twists and turns that confuse us. Thank You for the reminder that You can lead and teach us when a new direction is needed.Our trust is in You. Grant us the courage and determination to move forward in all circumstances. Help us learn from the journey and become stronger in faith as we turn to You.
Amen
Friday, February 6, 2015
Cave of Fear
But my eyes are turned toward you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; do not leave me defenseless. Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me, and from the snares of evildoers. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I alone escape. Psalm 141:8-10 NRSV
Maybe you have or haven't visited the Cave of Fear in your life, but unfortunately caves have an open door policy and you never know when you might be tempted to visit. The invitation to come in is intriguing and leaves even the most logical thinkers believing there could be no harm in going in and staying for a short visit.
The Cave of Fear offers so many accommodations. You can crawl in and find safety from the outside world. Your basic needs to protect you from the elements are met, and you need only venture outside when hunger pushes you to leave the safety of the Cave of Fear. In the darkness, you find comfort in knowing there are no mirrors to reflect the fearful person you have become. You begin to believe that you now belong to the Cave of Fear. As you think and dwell in darkness, your thoughts become even darker.
The sunlight streams through the entrance of the cave, but as the days go by, the sunlight is painful to the eyes and you find yourself gravitating deeper into the cavern rather than being drawn to the light. Eventually, there is only a glimmer of light in the distance. At some point, you must make a decision to go toward the light or let the darkness overcome all rationality that one once knew and collapse into a world where only you exist.
How does one find their way out of the Cave of Fear? The open door policy has not changed, and the exit has no door. It will take more courage to leave the cave than it did entering. It will take faith that a better world exists outside the dark and damp walls of this primitive way of life that you have made your home. Most importantly, to depart, one must leave a part of their own darkness behind to make room for the light. The darkest worries, failures, and sins of one's life must be left behind to bask in the warmth and glory of the light.
In Psalm 141, David found himself hiding in a cave from all the evil that was engulfing his life. He knew he had plunged into darkness and needed help. Mentally trapped in the cave, he cried to the Lord, "But my eyes are turned toward you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; do not leave me defenseless. Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me, and from the snares of evildoers. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I alone escape." God led David out of the dark cave and gave him strength and courage to face the worries, failures, and sins that existed in him and those in his life.
If ever you find yourself contemplating a visit to the Cave of Fear, never lose sight of the Light regardless of how faint or distant it may seem. The voice inside you need only cry out for help to our Heavenly Father, and He will help lead you toward the light where He will bless your life with love, community, purpose, forgiveness, and grace. You can leave the darkness of your life behind because existence in His Light will lead you far, far, away from the dark, damp, musty walls of the Cave of Fear.
Let us pray . . .
Heavenly Father,
Help us each day to be attracted to the glory and gift of living in Your Light. Grant our hearts confidence that regardless of the dark situations that come our way, we are guided by Your Light and help us to not retreat to the Cave of Fear.
Amen
Maybe you have or haven't visited the Cave of Fear in your life, but unfortunately caves have an open door policy and you never know when you might be tempted to visit. The invitation to come in is intriguing and leaves even the most logical thinkers believing there could be no harm in going in and staying for a short visit.
The Cave of Fear offers so many accommodations. You can crawl in and find safety from the outside world. Your basic needs to protect you from the elements are met, and you need only venture outside when hunger pushes you to leave the safety of the Cave of Fear. In the darkness, you find comfort in knowing there are no mirrors to reflect the fearful person you have become. You begin to believe that you now belong to the Cave of Fear. As you think and dwell in darkness, your thoughts become even darker.
The sunlight streams through the entrance of the cave, but as the days go by, the sunlight is painful to the eyes and you find yourself gravitating deeper into the cavern rather than being drawn to the light. Eventually, there is only a glimmer of light in the distance. At some point, you must make a decision to go toward the light or let the darkness overcome all rationality that one once knew and collapse into a world where only you exist.
How does one find their way out of the Cave of Fear? The open door policy has not changed, and the exit has no door. It will take more courage to leave the cave than it did entering. It will take faith that a better world exists outside the dark and damp walls of this primitive way of life that you have made your home. Most importantly, to depart, one must leave a part of their own darkness behind to make room for the light. The darkest worries, failures, and sins of one's life must be left behind to bask in the warmth and glory of the light.
In Psalm 141, David found himself hiding in a cave from all the evil that was engulfing his life. He knew he had plunged into darkness and needed help. Mentally trapped in the cave, he cried to the Lord, "But my eyes are turned toward you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; do not leave me defenseless. Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me, and from the snares of evildoers. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I alone escape." God led David out of the dark cave and gave him strength and courage to face the worries, failures, and sins that existed in him and those in his life.
If ever you find yourself contemplating a visit to the Cave of Fear, never lose sight of the Light regardless of how faint or distant it may seem. The voice inside you need only cry out for help to our Heavenly Father, and He will help lead you toward the light where He will bless your life with love, community, purpose, forgiveness, and grace. You can leave the darkness of your life behind because existence in His Light will lead you far, far, away from the dark, damp, musty walls of the Cave of Fear.
Let us pray . . .
Heavenly Father,
Help us each day to be attracted to the glory and gift of living in Your Light. Grant our hearts confidence that regardless of the dark situations that come our way, we are guided by Your Light and help us to not retreat to the Cave of Fear.
Amen
Monday, December 1, 2014
Seeing the Positive in Marriage through Perspective
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." ~ Romans 15:4-6 NRSV
In just over a week, my husband and I will celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary. I have been blessed to be married to a man that keeps Jesus at the center of his heart, because that love is reflected daily into my husband's love for me and our family. He truly loves me unconditionally. The years have passed by too quickly, and the memories could fill an encyclopedia set. I thought I would pass on some random thoughts about how over the years I have taken some daily situations in our marriage that I once saw as negative, and have grown to realize that there is a positive in most everything if one searches for it and truly trusts in the love of their spouse.
Disclaimer before reading: We have very traditional roles in our marriage that has worked well for us for 37 years, so please take that into consideration.
- I often thought my husband rarely notices when I got my haircut and try to look by best. Then I started thinking about the fact, that he loves me with the hairdo I wake up with every morning and never notices. Grateful!
- After cleaning the house all day, he comes home and doesn't seem to notice. Oh, but then he doesn't notice the days when he comes home and the house is in disorder. Thankful!
- The miracle that occurs with his laundry where everything he wears appears back in his drawers and closet clean and smelling great seems to go unnoticed. However, he never has a discouraging word to say if something he needs is still in the laundry basket. Relieved!
- A clean car may go unnoticed, and yet while on a shopping expedition the car may come home with a scratch or two, and he places no blame on my part and probably wouldn't notice unless I pointed it out to him. Indebted!
- On those days when it seems the world is crashing down around me, he is there to hold me and reassure me that tomorrow will be a better day. He brings hope! Love!
- In those moments when I am crabby and hard to love, he loves me anyway. Patience!
- When I am sick, feeling helpless, and unable to function, he steps in and cares tenderly for me taking care of everything. Provider!
- If I begin to not see clearly, he gently nudges me back to reality. Encouraging!
- At times, I think my husband should read my mind and be able to do what I am thinking he should do, I find that if only I ask for help he doesn't hesitate to do what needs to be done. Realized he is not a psychic! Accommodating!
- Last, but not least, on those days I feel unlovable, he makes me feel special and loved! Committed!
The list could go on and on. It is often the perspective we choose that brings such pain to our relationships. Mine is still in God's training class, but I am trusting what was written so long ago in the Bible to be my guide. As the verse from Romans above says, "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
I have hope that God continues to mold me into a better wife with a loving perspective to share with my husband each day. I am beyond blessed, and that is my perspective of my relationship with my husband.
Let us pray . . .
Loving Father,
Thank you for the gift of marriage. Remind us each day that a spouse is one of your greatest gifts. May we glorify you in our relationships with one voice in how we care for one another.
Amen
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Knit One Purl One . . . The "Perfect" Plan
"I have one life and one chance to make it count for something . . . I'm free to choose what that something is, and the something I've chosen is my faith. Now, my faith goes beyond theology and religion and requires considerable work and effort. My faith demands -- this is not optional -- my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference."
~ Jimmy Carter
~ Jimmy Carter
Each day I knitted for two to three hours in the evening. Watching the beauty of the variegated yarn come together row after row brought a sense of accomplishment and joy within me. But, then, it happened. It came like a thief in the night. This new-founded joy was aggravating the joints in my fingers and right elbow. The pain had become difficult to manage, and now I sit wondering how long I can go on before either the pain subsides or the pain becomes more intense disabling me from knitting a single stitch. How could this be happening? After all, I did everything right, or so I thought. I had my plans in place. I could already see the family gathered at Christmas with everyone opening their gifts, made with love especially for each of them. It seemed like the perfect plan!
Last night, as I laid in bed praying for those in need, I found myself whining to God about the pain in my joints and how this could ruin everything I had planned. But, as I pondered the disappointment, I thought about the quote above from Jimmy Carter. You see sometimes we want so much to do everything we can, but in reality we have these stumbling blocks of illness, grief, sadness, sins, anxiety, etc. that inhibit us from doing everything we wish we could to please God and please others. It was as if God was sending a message right back to me during my prayers. I felt reminded from God that He isn't expecting perfection from any of us, but only the very best we can give each day. And, even on those days when we fail to give our best, we are covered in His grace and forgiveness. Now, that is a plan that seems much more workable.
In Romans 5:3 we read, "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance." I have always had a little problem with the word, "rejoice" in that Bible verse. After all, most of us don't have a party to celebrate what doesn't go the way we planned in life. But, maybe, we can all rejoice knowing that in developing endurance and resilience when things don't go as planned, we are growing closer to God. We are learning to lean on Him at all times and in all seasons of our lives. That is definitely something to "rejoice" about.
So, as you go about your planning, remember that even when the threads of our lives become unraveled, as long as we do what we can when we can, God celebrates with us too. Meanwhile, I will knit what I can, when I can, and rest assured that regardless of how the plan turns out, I gave my best. And, that is truly what counts.
Heavenly Father,
As we make plans in our lives, please guide us with your wisdom and grace. Let us rejoice in knowing that you delight in our existence and cover us with grace and forgiveness at all times.
Amen
Thursday, August 14, 2014
The Problem With Those Little Vanilla Wafers
“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need." Luke 12:29-31 NLT
Have you ever tried to eat just one or two vanilla wafers? I personally find it troubling. I honestly try, but the joy in eating these tiny cookies is something I continue to crave. The clear cookie jar sits on the counter almost daring me to eat just two more or five more! Once that first cookie enters my system, I find myself sneaking my hand right back into the jar. I tell myself this will be the last one, but then it happens; I can't resist just a few more.
Craving something in life can be good as well as bad. A few months ago, I started reading more about the minimalist lifestyle, and I haven't looked back. I am coming to learn that some of my cravings in life are unhealthy and take away from the joy in life. The minimalist lifestyle is basically focusing on what in life brings you joy and basically getting rid of the things that only cause more work and cost (physically, mentally, emotionally, and materialistically) to one's life. My husband and I have always somewhat lived the minimalist lifestyle in many different ways in our 36 plus years of marriage. We try to make choices based on need rather than want. It isn't easy, but we do our best.
Both of our adult children are in the process of moving and selling their homes. The one comment that comes up often is, "I didn't realize how much stuff has been accumulated." Listening to these comments led me to a deep cleaning, and I was shocked to find how many things that are rarely if ever used have been piling up in my own home. A few trips to Goodwill brought great joy to me. Saying good-bye to things that take up space, need to be cleaned or cared for, and have no purpose in my life was much easier than I thought. I found great joy in having so much more room in drawers, closets, and cupboards!
As I looked at some of the treasures in the boxes, I realized that at one time I had probably purchased the item as a want rather than a need. Purchasing the item had brought me temporary joy, but in turn had brought a type of clutter into my life that took away from a greater joy. The greater joy of not being ruled by things.
I then took a look at my faith walk and the wants and needs I display when it comes to my relationship with God. I've decided a minimalist faith style is also an objective for me as well. You see, I often come to God with a lot of wants thinking they are needs. I yearn to be more focused in prayer and service of the needs of others and for myself as well. When I center my relationship around need, it becomes enriched because God knows what I need in all circumstances. He also knows what I want, but he can easily distinguish between the two. One helps me thrive while the other at times may add complicated dimensions to my life that include taking some of the joy of a more simplistic way of being away from me.
So, I have to admit that I will probably always love those little vanilla wafers because they do bring me joy. But, these are also a reminder that learning to eat just a few rather than half a box is a big difference. Eating half a box begins a new problem of weight gain and then weight gain causes other health problems all because I didn't know when to stop with just what I needed. I am in control of the decision, but I occasionally need a reminder. And what a blessing that Luke reminds us in verses 29-31 that God always knows just what we need.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for providing for our daily needs. Help us to understand that sometimes the wants just get in the way of the joy of life, and most of all our relationship with you.
Amen
Have you ever tried to eat just one or two vanilla wafers? I personally find it troubling. I honestly try, but the joy in eating these tiny cookies is something I continue to crave. The clear cookie jar sits on the counter almost daring me to eat just two more or five more! Once that first cookie enters my system, I find myself sneaking my hand right back into the jar. I tell myself this will be the last one, but then it happens; I can't resist just a few more.
Craving something in life can be good as well as bad. A few months ago, I started reading more about the minimalist lifestyle, and I haven't looked back. I am coming to learn that some of my cravings in life are unhealthy and take away from the joy in life. The minimalist lifestyle is basically focusing on what in life brings you joy and basically getting rid of the things that only cause more work and cost (physically, mentally, emotionally, and materialistically) to one's life. My husband and I have always somewhat lived the minimalist lifestyle in many different ways in our 36 plus years of marriage. We try to make choices based on need rather than want. It isn't easy, but we do our best.
Both of our adult children are in the process of moving and selling their homes. The one comment that comes up often is, "I didn't realize how much stuff has been accumulated." Listening to these comments led me to a deep cleaning, and I was shocked to find how many things that are rarely if ever used have been piling up in my own home. A few trips to Goodwill brought great joy to me. Saying good-bye to things that take up space, need to be cleaned or cared for, and have no purpose in my life was much easier than I thought. I found great joy in having so much more room in drawers, closets, and cupboards!
As I looked at some of the treasures in the boxes, I realized that at one time I had probably purchased the item as a want rather than a need. Purchasing the item had brought me temporary joy, but in turn had brought a type of clutter into my life that took away from a greater joy. The greater joy of not being ruled by things.
I then took a look at my faith walk and the wants and needs I display when it comes to my relationship with God. I've decided a minimalist faith style is also an objective for me as well. You see, I often come to God with a lot of wants thinking they are needs. I yearn to be more focused in prayer and service of the needs of others and for myself as well. When I center my relationship around need, it becomes enriched because God knows what I need in all circumstances. He also knows what I want, but he can easily distinguish between the two. One helps me thrive while the other at times may add complicated dimensions to my life that include taking some of the joy of a more simplistic way of being away from me.
So, I have to admit that I will probably always love those little vanilla wafers because they do bring me joy. But, these are also a reminder that learning to eat just a few rather than half a box is a big difference. Eating half a box begins a new problem of weight gain and then weight gain causes other health problems all because I didn't know when to stop with just what I needed. I am in control of the decision, but I occasionally need a reminder. And what a blessing that Luke reminds us in verses 29-31 that God always knows just what we need.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for providing for our daily needs. Help us to understand that sometimes the wants just get in the way of the joy of life, and most of all our relationship with you.
Amen
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