My teenage daughter, Madison, and I make jokes sometimes about having first world problems. If you don’t know what a first world problem is then read below.
The bling fell out of my costume jewelry bracelet.
You get the idea. We might joke around and comment sarcastically when someone we know or someone in our family makes a first world type of statement. We sometimes have a good laugh about it, but the truth is it is sad. We have so much compared to others here in this country and in other parts of the world. We complain about things which are so trivial in the scheme of things.
I just talked to a resource coordinator at one of the schools here in town that the families she services don’t have diapers, toilet paper, coats or ski pants for their kids this winter. When you live in Montana, you understand that a coat and ski pants are a must for your kids. There are more than 100 kids in the school system that are homeless. It tends to change your perspective when you hear things like that.
I have been reading through my chronological bible and am now in the New Testament. I have just read about Jesus, his teachings, and the disciples. It has just really hit me hard as I have read through it of how little they had and how much I have.
Jesus says this to His disciples in Luke 22:35 (NIV), “Then Jesus asked them, ‘When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?’ ‘Nothing,’ they answered.” This verse is shocking to me. I dare to say as Americans we would have definitely thought we were missing a lot more than something! They had no purse (so I assume they had no money), no bag (so I assume they had no extra clothes, supplies or food), and no sandals (no shoes).
I am humbled to think about all that God has given me. If you are like me, maybe you find yourself wanting more than you have such as new paint for the living room or to replace the vinyl tile in the hall bath with tile or a new car. When I read what is written in Luke 22, it sure is humbling.
I am so thankful to God. He has blessed me with so much, but I find myself from time to time having to reel my thoughts or desires in when I am tempted to want more. I know I am not alone. This season I am so thankful for running water and indoor plumbing. I am thankful for my family and the love we have for one another. I am thankful for a home where the utilities are turned on and the heat is working as we battle frigid temperatures outside. I am thankful for friends, a car, a job, and opportunities which the Lord has laid in my lap. He is a good God, and I am so blessed.
