Monday, September 25, 2006

Some thoughts

Do you worry about what you can and can't afford? I know I do. We've been struggling lately and money has been a stressful topic. Thanks to God's grace and a lot of prayer we're getting by. I didn't think at this stage in life we would be just getting by. But life holds all kinds of unexpected twists and turns, roads you never would have chosen to go down all of a sudden you are knee deep in. But really what would life be like if everything was always perfect? Would you be as likely to hold the good moments dear? Would you be able to find joy in the sunset or beauty in the wind rustling the brightly coloured fall leaves? If I hadn't struggled and been litterly forced to turn to God out of pure desperation would I be able to feel his kiss on the sunlight? Out of my struggles, out of the darkness I have managed to find the light. And I have found some very dear friends who pushed me when I could no longer take another step. Life today is still as hard as it was yesterday, last week, a year ago, but now it comes with the promise of the future, Hope. I know I will stumble and fall, but I pray that I continue to move towards God and the freedom he brings instead of away from him.

I found myself upset this morning about the things I can't do for Payton. We have no extras. I was reminded while listening to the radio that none of that stuff matters. She's fed, she's clothed, but most of all she's loved. The most important thing I can do for her is model Christ. Love her and others as if they were myself. Teach her love and compassion with a passion for our heavenly father. Expensive schooling, the "right" activities, the "right" house or neighborhood. It doesn't matter, that's not what's important.

The speaker(I forget already who it was) said one thing that has stuck with me. You can be successful, without reaching greatness. Success as the world portrays does not bring greatness in the eyes of the Lord. Thank you Lord for reminding me I don't need more to live in your will, that I don't need more to raise my family to live in greatness.

I've posted part of this verse before but stumbled upon it again with the verses before and after it. I love it all together like this so thought I'd share it again.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." —Philippians 4:4-7

4 comments:

James Goudie said...

she always looks like a very happy girl. you guys are doing great

Anonymous said...

You're right - it doesn't take a whole lot of expensive stuff to make a child happy! When they're grown up and they relate the memorable moments of their life, it's not about big stuff at all - its the little things, like Daddy teaching me how to skim flat stones across the lake - the first pony ride - being read to at bedtime - extra cuddles when they are sick. You and Rod are doing the best thing ever - teaching her about Jesus.

steph said...

It is hard not to fall into the money trap. My nephew just got a quad! It sucks for our kids because we don't spend money like that. Little do they know we are saving for their educations and when they get great jobs they can buy their own quads! Life is short and kids don't care about designer stuff or labels they want your time.

shari said...

boy can I relate. but like the others said, you can give and are giving her the most important things. The things she will remember when she is grown and having children of her own.

you rock michelle!!