Lately I've been daydreaming about having my own place. It's not that I want to be alone. Quite the contrary, my daydreams usually involve living in a cozy house/apartment with a roommate or two. Mostly I guess I just want a place where I have a sense of ownership, where I'd be free to decorate how I want, and to use the kitchen to make whatever I want whenever I want it, and (let's be honest) to try out all kinds of cool household things I have learned on Pinterest.
These recent daydreams may also have something to do with the fact that I have had several friends who have recently moved, gotten their own apartment, bought a house, or sold a house. Suddenly I am thinking about houses and homes and the reality of buying, renting, and selling.
I never thought I would want to buy a house. I figured I would be on the mission field, and would have no need for a home to tie me down in the States. I could just rent on furloughs and trust the Lord to provide for my housing needs. The thought of actually owning a home seemed a little worldly and materialistic to me.
But there is a difference between owning and acquiring possessions and materialism. One can own a great many things, several houses, cars, boats, planes, or whatever else, and still not be worldly or materialistic. The difference is the attitude one has toward those possessions.
I have been reading through Genesis this month, and recently read about Jacob and his dealings with Laban. Throughout the account, Jacob acquires wives, children, possessions, and all kinds of wealth. Some of this comes through hard work, and some through scheming, but ALL of it comes from the hand of the Lord.
What struck me was the fact that Jacob acknowledged that fact clearly. When he prayed to God, he recalled all that God had given to him since he fled Esau. He left empty handed, and returned a wealthy man. Though he acquired much, and through earthly means, Jacob did not hesitate to acknowledge that it was God who had given him all these things. (Genesis 32:9-12; 33:4-11)
After an honest evaluation, I'll be the first to admit that I don't tend to think of my possessions in that way. All too often I think of them as things that are rightfully mine, things that I have earned or even deserve. I think very little of the graciousness of the Lord in granting me the many things I own. But truthfully, if it were not for His generosity, I would have nothing at all.
This computer I am using to write this post, the car I drive to work in, the blankets that cover me at night, the phone that keeps me connected with the people I love, the clothes in my closet and in my dresser, the books on my shelves, the food in my fridge.... all of these things and so many more are gracious gifts from my Heavenly Father, things He did not have to give me, but things that He did.
My life might look a little different if I lived daily acknowledging this truth about my earthly possessions. I think I'd be happier, more thankful, more joyful. I'd probably have a better understanding of myself and of my God. I'd probably be more generous, giving more of my time and my resources to those around me. Just as it is easy to forgive when you realize how much you have been forgiven, it is easy to give when you realize how much you've been given.
James 1:17 "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."Labels: Bible/theology, journal/quiet time