As I listened to a friend lament the size of her 1,400-square foot home recently and dream out loud about the home she hopes to have after her husband finishes his degree, I thought about the number of times I myself have been less than grateful for the things with which I've been blessed. All it takes is 30 seconds of viewing one of those "Feed the Children" specials to remind me that there are probably hundreds of thousands of women around the world who would trade places with me in a heartbeat.
Now, it's not that we're rich people in a financial sense, but if I look at the overall quality of my life, I cannot help but conclude that I am one of the wealthiest women in America. Here's why:
1. I have a deeply personal, intensely fulfilling relationship with the Creator of the Universe.
2. I'm married to an amazingly wonderful man who treats me like royalty.
3. We have the privilege of parenting three of the sweetest kids God ever created.
4. I have a great extended family that is very supportive and helpful in the sometimes overwhelming task of raising the three munchkins described above.
5. What my list of "best friends" lacks in quantity, it certainly makes up for in quality.
6. We are privileged to worship and serve in one of the best churches in America
7. I have the joy of being a work-at-home-mom, enjoying the often-envied privilege of being both a "career woman" AND a stay-at-home-mommy.
I could go on and on, but those are the main reasons why I can wholeheartedly agree with Paul's words to Timothy in I Timothy 6:6-8: "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."
Our success in life is not measured by our bank accounts, house size, the number of vehicles we drive, or exotic places we travel. It's measured, ultimately, by our relationships -- first with God, and then with others. When my journey in this life is complete, I may not leave a lot of money to my kids, but I hope that I leave them all they need to be rich in the things that truly matter.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Some thoughts on contentment
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2 comments:
Very nicely said. I think we women need to constantly remind each other that godliness with contentment is great gain. I liked what you said about it only taking about 30 minutes of viewing one of those Feed the Children commercials to put everything into it's proper perspective. Isn't that the truth??
Yes, it is the truth. And isn't it also true that it only takes about 30 seconds of comparing ourselves to someone we perceive as having "more" to totally wreck our peace, joy, and yes ... contentment!
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