My parents gave me many long lasting gifts but one of the biggest ones is the gift of contentment. They taught me from a very early age that "things" were not what made for happiness. I always felt loved by them and we always had plenty to eat, clothes and toys to play with as we grew up. The one thing we did not have most of the time though was the latest, greatest gadget. Occasionally, I would lament not having something but it would only be for a brief time period. The stage would pass and I realized that I would not have played with it after the initial fascination wore off.
I am trying to pass that value on to my children. The other day my daughter, Mary, made me very proud while we were talking. She said to me, "I used to be jealous of some of the other kids and the new in fashion clothes they had when I was young. I realized later though how fortunate I was to even have so many clothes according to many people in the world. I have clothes to last me a week without having to wash anything. Many people only have one or two outfits. I realize now how blessed I am." People are always amazed at her Christmas list because they are mostly practical things and not extravagant. She has few wants and is content with what she has in her life. I hope she will continue on this path. We are still working on Makenzie. She is more strong-willed and "wants" things all the time and is not always grateful for what she does have. We are still working on it though.
I share these thoughts with you to get you thinking. How is your contentment level? Are you always looking at what the next big purchase will be or are you happy with what you have? How are your children's attitudes? Do you spend a lot of time in the "if only's"? One video that our church plays is called Rich by Rob Bell. You will be amazed how "rich" you really are compared to the rest of the world. I watch it when I start feeling sorry for myself or have a case of the "wants". Here is the link to it. Rob Bell-Rich. Take some time to watch this video. It will truly bless you.
I am trying to pass that value on to my children. The other day my daughter, Mary, made me very proud while we were talking. She said to me, "I used to be jealous of some of the other kids and the new in fashion clothes they had when I was young. I realized later though how fortunate I was to even have so many clothes according to many people in the world. I have clothes to last me a week without having to wash anything. Many people only have one or two outfits. I realize now how blessed I am." People are always amazed at her Christmas list because they are mostly practical things and not extravagant. She has few wants and is content with what she has in her life. I hope she will continue on this path. We are still working on Makenzie. She is more strong-willed and "wants" things all the time and is not always grateful for what she does have. We are still working on it though.
I share these thoughts with you to get you thinking. How is your contentment level? Are you always looking at what the next big purchase will be or are you happy with what you have? How are your children's attitudes? Do you spend a lot of time in the "if only's"? One video that our church plays is called Rich by Rob Bell. You will be amazed how "rich" you really are compared to the rest of the world. I watch it when I start feeling sorry for myself or have a case of the "wants". Here is the link to it. Rob Bell-Rich. Take some time to watch this video. It will truly bless you.
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