I like to read books in.. um.. groups? clusters? slow-motion? *laughs* At any given time I am in the middle of 5 books.. ik, ik, that's just how I roll.. Max Lucado is a favorite author of mine, namely because he has a daughter named Jenna (means he's gotta be a great guy, right!). I feel he is also a gifted communicator, and a wordsmith who weaves his writing in such a way that it paints a vivid picture in my minds eye. As of late (well, started it last May actually), I've been reading through his book "Safe in the Shepherd's Arms: Hope and Encouragement from Psalm 23". Here's something that's been challenging me..
"[In Psalm 23] David has found the pasture where discontent goes to die. It's as if he is saying "What I have in God is greater than what I don't have in life." - Max Lucado
I'm about to be 27. To me - it feels old, but in the grand scheme of life, I hope that my mission is not complete until 80 more years or so, and that those 80 years include a husband to do ministry with, and children to raise. However - I have to ask myself, "if all I have now is all I ever have, is what I have in God greater?" The obvious answer is "yes" - but daily, how do I practically live that out? On the same page (21) of this book, Max tells a story about a man who had much in this life.. "When one of the wealthiest men in history, John D. Rockefeller, died, his accountant was asked, "How much did John D. leave?" The accountant's reply? "All of it." ..
No matter what I accumulate here in this life time, it is always and only going to stay here. My sisters car caught fire the other day. She is fine, but many "things" were ruined in the process. And it causes me to think - in a society that values things, status, "gain of _(insert next big thing here)__, can I find contentment in God alone? There are 3 things that last forever - God, His Word, and the souls of [hu]Man[s]. Do I prioritize accordingly?
Soli Deo Gloria
:D
So true! Thanks for the reminder. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, good reminder. I find it helpful to compare my situation to those whom I met in Kenya, Africa. They were content and has so much less that I did. It is important for us to get out of our comfort zone and experience with the less fortunate that we may have our eyes opened to the truth of our blessings that we take for granted.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you.