1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Recently, my desire to live on the water has become a bit of an obsession. I will check realtor.com pretty much every day to see if anything even close to affordable pops up. Not much luck most days. A month back there was a possible camp, but it was in REALLY rough shape. It also was on leased land, so not the best. Then there was another camp that came up that seemed reasonable, but that one is over 3 hours away. Not very convenient for weekends.
It furthered my desire when we were invited by our friends to come for a cookout at their house that is on a beautiful section of river. Their property is like a park and their view is stunning. As I walked their property, both joy for them and, sadly, envy came crashing down on my soul. Such an evil little sin that envy is. So, today I hopped back online to see what came had been posted since yesterday. I have to say that this new obsession of mine is a bit defeating, as most of the houses, even rustic camps, on the water are exorbitantly priced in today's real estate bubble. They are almost ALL out of reach, and the rare ones that aren't would be too much work or are too far away. It is an everyday disappointment and spurs my ungratefulness. Oh, how far I do have to go in my faith.
Today happened to be a 65-degree August day, after weeks and weeks of brutally hot weather. So, this evening I decided to go out into our little English garden and do some of the weeding that has needed to happen during those sweltering days. (Boy, do weeds love heat!) After pulling out, I am embarrassed to admit, many weeds that were up to my waist, I sat back for a moment to just breath and quietly sit in the garden. (There I still sit as darkness falls and our many solar lights begin at come on one by one.) In these quiet peaceful minutes, as I peer out at the beautiful colors and greenery, gratitude fills my soul. I am struck, once again, buy the true blessing our home and grounds are. Thankfully, seven years ago this month, we were able to purchase this perfect little place for our family in an amazing neighborhood, in a safe and quaint small town.
Why is it that I am so often not satisfied with what God has provided? Why is it that I am always looking for something that I think will fulfill all the desires of my heart when my Savior wants to be that fulfilment in my life? He is always calling me to look to Him, for He alone will bring that deeply desired peace to me soul.
I am, as always, a work in progress.
2 comments:
It is an on-going aspect of sin that we humans strive greater than what is our need. Satan wages war on our hearts and minds first and foremost, once those are weakened the body becomes vulnerable. I have recently developed my own obsession, so your words though posted many days ago, are quite timely to my own life.
Perhaps it is a reminder that my wife and I are not so alone as we feel and think...
It is good to hear from you Linton. Indeed, you and your wife are not so alone as you think. I am beginning to try to stay in an attitude of gratitude. God has blessed me so richly and I need to focus on that truth. You are correct that Satan does wage war on our hearts and minds. He knows just the right buttons to push. I am so grateful for God's mercy when I faulter, as I do so often. I am working to be like Paul and learn to be content in all things.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
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