Gaining Perspective

This past week I was blessed with a visit from my sister Sarah (I hope to post about this once I get photos). She lives in Houston and is third in the line-up of kids. She is five years younger than me and while we were not close growing up, we are close now.

This summer she decided to take a trip through her church to South Africa. While she was here she was able to share a little about her trip as well as show me photographs. I couldn't help crying as I looked through her photos at the living conditions many of the children she helped lived in.

I suffer from a common problem here in America - greed, pride, and the desire for more. I have a wonderful home, we have two cars that work well, I am trying to lose weight so I am not starving, and my children aren't just dressed, they are dressed well. So, why do I ever have the desire for more - a bigger and better house, exotic trips to great places, prettier more expensive clothes, fine restaurants, a newer, more expensive car, a home at the beach? I am not saying that these desires are necessarily wrong, they are just a waste of energy and time and when out of control can breed discontent. God has blessed me beyond measure and I still think He should bless me more. The wickedness of my heart never ceases to amaze me. That while I am made in the image of God, I still focus on what He doesn't give instead of what He has provided.

So, here is to gaining a little perspective - knowing that my contentment can only come from the Lord and my being grateful with the abundance He has given.