But, I must admit that sometimes its easy to get distracted.... and grumble a little bit.
God gives us everything that we need. There are basics in our life that we totally take for granted, yet there are people who don't have a roof over their heads, a car, even don't have enough food for themselves. When we think about it like that... we realize how very blessed we really are. We have a home, 2 vehicles, Wes has a good job, our kids go to school and have fun classes to take, our fridge and cupboard are full of food and we can run to the store and get anything else we need.
I look at our kids... and realize how blessed we really are. Our extended family on both sides... SO VERY blessed.
But I grumbled. For just a little bit I forgot to focus on the blessings and let myself dwell on what we didn't have.
Our Ford Focus (read good mileage and husband's commuter car) had a coolant leak and needed a new transmission. It was in the shop for about a week while they did the work. Wes drove our van to work, and the dealership rented a car for us to drive while they fixed ours.
What a pretty van it was! Brand new, Stow and go 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan with all of these special features and doors that opened and closed on their own. The kids and I rode around in it commenting on every feature that we found. It was pretty, and suddenly I felt a discontent in myself as compared it to our (quite nice! Ford Windstar, 2003). Then I had to flip a switch and I started talking with the kids about what it means to be grateful... what it means to be content with what we have... how God is the one who gives and takes away, and how in everything we need to give him thanks. This verse is perfect:
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12)
The kids and I started naming our blessings and soon the discontent faded. We prayed together and were so happy. I love kids.. I love that everything is taken so simply. I love that because I want to teach THEM good things and good habits, it makes ME get out of the funks I have.
I had to sigh and thank God for giving us the money we had saved up, as we paid for the car when we went to pick it up. All things come from Him and to Him we give all of the glory.
I am trying to make this attitude carry over to the rest of my life. Not to be distracted wishing I had more, or better, but to be content in any and every situation. This can be an act of service to our wonderful God, better said, a natural overflowing of gratitude to Him for everything he provides.
In other news, my boy lost a tooth! What a big boy he is now..
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