I watched a portion of Home Makeover last night. It featured a family of seven living in a house that was crumbling around them. They used paper plates to eat on because their kitchen cabinets could not hold the weight of regular plates. The support joists under their home were crumbling from termite damage. There was one bedroom between five kids with two bunk beds. They had one closet between them.
Regardless of these things, the parents were infectious! They were the epitome of joy aiming to make their own home a happy one; teaching their children the happiness of family. They had very little, yet they laughed at their problems and wore a smile in the worst of situations. Really, they made the best of it! Then in their spare time they helped people with marriage problems. Wow!
The strange irony of life is that satisfaction does not always come from receiving. It is in choosing to be content, by helping others out; in loving and laughing and being thankful. The one with the most toys doesn't actually win because there will always come bigger and better toys. It's a never ending cycle.
It may just be a smile, a hug, a cup of water, a gift of time or money, but it could mean everything to someone, and that will make both of you happy.
Thank you for visiting!
This was perfect for me to read today, Carmen! My Google page had a quote from Louis L'Amour that no one moves forward in this world by being content and I thought about how unBiblical that statement was. Contentment is Biblical but soooooo counter-cultural! Thanks for this post. I'll be thinking about it today.
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me how the world thinks sometimes. I'm glad God blessed you on this post! Thanks for stopping by and commenting! =D
ReplyDeleteI wrote a comment and it didn't take!! Ugh. ANyhow-- I relate to this so much. Am learning to be content where I am. Not always easy.
ReplyDeleteCarmen,
ReplyDeleteI didn't see that episode, but I know what you're talking about. I experienced that "joy by choice" attitude when I was in Haiti. Those people had every reason to be sitting in a heap, crying their eyes out, yet they were joyful. I never encountered such an infectious spirit.
As Paul wrote from prison, joy does not depend on our circumstances. As much as my mind nods in agreement, my heart has such a hard time stepping outside my circumstances. As Terri said, it's not always easy.
Blessings to you!
Kelli
I struggle with contentment too! Living in a society with so much stuff is a temptation in itself. It's so easy to lose focus on what's important in such surroundings!
ReplyDeleteIf only we(I) could see things and people "with eternity's values in view," as the worship song says. It's all about perspective, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI agree Glenda! Though the problems of each day are very real, we should see people and situations from an eternal view! Something for me to remember too!!
ReplyDeleteCarmen,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your very insightful and beautiful expression of what brings true satisfaction. I know God has given you the gift of encouragement, and I pray He will bless you abundantly as you continue your ministry to others. Thanks again, for the encouragement you have give me.
Your sister in Jesus...
Carmen,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your insight so beautifully about what brings true satisfaction to our lives. I believe you have the gift of encouragement and pray that God will bless you abundantly as you continue to serve Him. Thank you again for the encouragement you have been to me.
A sister in Jesus....