or Pinterest-worthy , and she was writing books while I was changing diapers . I let this sinful thought pattern simmer until it boiled over in heated tears . Falling into my oversized yellow chair , I leaned my head back and looked up , hoping somehow that the Lord would write a promise in the air above my head that my time was coming .
Instead , my seven-year-old climbed out of his bed and made his way into my lap . He ’ d been running a fever all day and simply needed his mom to hold him , to tell him it was going to be okay . And maybe that was the answer to my own feverish heartache over wishing for more , for different , for cleaner , better , brighter . Maybe the cuddles of a sick little boy were what it took for the Lord to gently lead me away from what I felt was lacking , and toward the full-bodied reality of where He ’ d placed me . My life was mine not by accident , but by God ’ s design . His story for me was unique , and it fit only me .
Once I had him nestled into bed again , I made my way back to the comfort of that chair and pulled out my Bible . I was desperate for refreshment after a long day of disappointment .
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience , not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance ? ( Rom . 2:4 )
16 SMG Solutions
I read this verse and was immediately seized with conviction as I thought of the teenage girl on the other side of the world who seemed so ungrateful for the gift I ’ d sent . As my mind drifted back to the pictures of other families in other homes , other countertops overflowing with other meals , and then to my response at another woman ’ s celebration over a book contract , I knew immediately that I was similarly ungrateful . The Lord has given me great gifts , but I was focused on what He hadn ’ t tucked into the pocket of my jeans . Instead of looking gratefully upon all that He offered , I questioned why it couldn ’ t be just a little bit more .
I wanted $ 50 without even an acknowledgment of the $ 40 I held in my hands .
A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan ; A mountain of many peaks is the mountain of Bashan . Why do you look with envy , O mountains with many peaks , At the mountain which God has desired for His abode ? Surely the Lord will dwell there forever . ( Ps . 68:15 – 16 )
Do you see the beauty in the God-design of your life , in both the rugged and majestic places of your days ? Or are you looking at the hills across the valley , wondering why God ’ s hand of blessing is seemingly better on those green hills ? This psalm of David provides a poetic balm to conflicted souls that long for more or different — in our homes and our dreams .
We have each been given the children , marriages , financial resources , unique abilities , and life circumstances that God chose intentionally . For some , this may look like $ 40 , and for others it may resemble $ 50 . The size and scope of His gift is different for each one of us , and it ’ s all as it should be .
When we spend the days comparing our lot in life , literally comparing our small city home with a zero lotline to her lush acres out in the country , we miss out on the real-life delights in the gifts we ’ ve been given . However , when we embrace the gift of home as it really is , we fill up and spill over into the lives of our family and friends , and even out into the world .
* * * * *