Friday, April 29, 2011

wrestling with wealth

we are not what most americans would consider wealthy.  we have had moments in the past - when both chris & i had full time jobs - that someone may have considered us so.  but here lately, not so much.  and here lies my struggle.  believing that GOD had called me to quit my steady job to spend more time with my family, chris & i entered this new phase of life knowing that GOD would provide but that it might be difficult.  we were & are willing to make sacrifices for the sake of our family & the will of GOD in & through us.  but here's the thing...we have been so blessed.  all of our needs are met & then some.  but while i see the provisions of GOD in my life everyday, i still tend to worry or fret about the next thing that may need to be paid or purchased.  then about a week ago, i board a plane & return to the rural villages of honduras - for my 3rd time.  and whereas the poverty has always made an impression on me, this time it was just real.  i looked into a one room, mud hut - that is barely bigger than my bathroom - and see that there are 10 people who live there...and all 10 of them come out to greet me with a smile.  how can they smile?  how do they have joy?  i rationalize that maybe it's just because they don't know what they're missing out on, but in my heart i know that's not it.  maybe it's that they've learned, like paul, to be content in every circumstance.  i want to grasp this better. what i am understanding though, is that regardless of the american standard, i am wealthy.  maybe my bank account doesn't reflect it & maybe my home is not the biggest or fanciest, but so many people have far less than i.  i am so blessed & so thankful that i am where i am; but i am praying that GOD would continue to show me what to do with all that HE has given me.  how can i use these resouces, talents, gifts to bless others in "el nombre de JESUS"?

No comments:

Post a Comment