Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Learning... always learning


Just a few weeks ago, some very special friends of ours purchased a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful home out in the country. A large brick colonial nestled on 10 gorgeous wooded acres... complete with tennis courts and volleyball net, walking trails, and room. to. move. And ever since that time (I've gotta confess), I've been struggling with it all. I mean... honestly, I am so tickled pink for them! They are wonderful, wonderful folks and their family is the best. But wowza. My little Cape Cod perched on a third of a city acre, is currently boxing me in and... forcing me to examine my heart.

In a very timely manner (as is always the case with our Lord), my bff posted this quote on her blog yesterday:

"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not,
but rejoices for those which he has."

~Epictetus

Hmmm. How 'bout that?

Coincidental? I think not.
God-ordained? Absolutely.

And so today, as I pray and pray and remind myself of His never-ending love, of His never-ending care, of His always-wants-best-for me provision, I switch my focus. Off of my wants and on to my blessings. My gifts. My treasures so lovingly given by the One who knows best, who gives best, who loves best. And once again, I give thanks.


"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have,
because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' "

Hebrews 13:5


"But godliness with contentment is great gain."

1 Timothy 6:6


"... for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances,
I do know what it is to be in need,
and I do 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.
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

Philippians 4: 11b-13



"But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap
and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is a root to all kinds evil...
But you, man of God, flee from all this,
and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
Fight the good fight of faith.
Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called
when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus,
who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession,
I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame
until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Timothy 6: 8-14

5 comments:

gretchen said...

WAY TO THRIVE MY FRIEND!!!!! :) We walk this journey together... and I"m so glad you're there to help keep me on THAT path. Love you!

Carrie said...

You are so blessed, Heather! I know you know that! ;)

We all struggle with being content! I've been dreaming of big, beautiful schoolrooms while I've been converting our smallest room into our cave {ahem} - new school room. It's hard sometimes. Thanks for the sweet reminder (and for sharing those adorable pictures!). ;)

Maher Family said...

Amazing verse. We must not grieve at what we don't have which is so hard. I struggle with this to at times. God loves us perfectly and will provide all our needs. Remain strong in your faith and praise God for His many blessings!!!

Linda said...

Wonderful life-giving words Heather. I think we all struggle with these feelings in one way or another. I've had a hard time with myself and some things in recent weeks too, and I have been brought to the same place you have come. I must find my contentment in Him, who has given me everything I need and so much more.
Thank you for words from His heart and for the beautiful pictures!

Christine said...

This is such a great reminder. Loved this,
"My gifts. My treasures so lovingly given by the One who knows best, who gives best, who loves best."
SO so true. And easily forgotten, unfortunately. Why do we forget? It's so frustrating! I'm thankful for YOU today for the important reminder that His gifts for us are perfect. He DOES know best and that is so comforting.