“And I am not saying this because I feel neglected, for I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little.” – Philippians 4:11-12
As a child, I wanted a cute pair of glasses, braces on my teeth, and a broken bone with a cast. The glasses came in elementary school, the braces in Jr. High, and I finally got that elusive cast this week!
The glasses corrected my vision, but they broke easily. They weren’t nearly as cute when my mom put tape around the nosepiece, and I had to wear them that way for weeks. They were a nuisance during my basketball games, and I soon realized that wearing glasses was WAY overrated! I was excited when I finally got contacts.
The same thing happened when I got braces. I still remember the insides of my lips bleeding, and the pain associated with moving teeth. Having braces wasn’t nearly what it was cracked up to be! After wearing them for 2 years, I was thrilled when they came off to reveal my new smile.
As for this cast on my foot; as a child, I dreamed about carrying around a marker, so kids could sign it while I explained what had happened. Wouldn’t you know, with COVID, there’s not a kid in sight!!
Mother Teresa said, “More tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones.” Have you shed tears over answered prayers? Maybe it was a relationship you wanted that didn’t work out. Perhaps it was a job you wanted, but once you got it, you hated it! I can easily fall into “the grass is always greener” way of thinking. I’ve thought that if I had a bigger house, I could do more entertaining and maybe I’d be happier. If I exercised more, I’d be thinner and then I’d be happier. If my kids would do ___________, I’d be happier.
When these thoughts fill my mind, I’ve found the solution to be one thing: GRATITUDE! I stop and count my blessings. I thank God for His perfect plan for my life. I thank Him for His provision and protection. I thank Him for faith, friends, family. I thank Him for not answering every prayer!
“May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
– Susan Easttom, Director of Family Ministry
