You Have No Idea How Much You Have
Sometimes, do you ever find yourself feeling discontent with what you have? Maybe just a little bit? I do.
Sometimes I look around and see the well-used metal folding chairs that we use at our kitchen table, and wish I had some beautiful wooden chairs. And then I notice the ancient wood table that hasn’t been refinished–well, maybe ever! I remember that table from childhood, and I don’t know if my parents ever refinished it then. We’ve had it for quite a few years now and added our own water spots, warped wood (from a spilled glass of water no one wiped up until it was too late), mismatched boards in the center to make the table extend long enough for our family, and other imperfections.
Then I notice the old couch that was my husband’s grandmother’s. She gave it to us before she died. And I notice the old couch in the basement that has sagging cushions and a torn spot on the arm with stuffing coming out. Sometimes I think it would be nice to just go out and buy a new couch and chairs.
And then there’s the laundry area. Located in the basement, it’s dimly lit and not pretty. The clean clothes baskets are stored on a rusted black metal shelf, and the washer and dryer are older. My parents gave us the dryer as a wedding gift almost 14 years ago. The washing machine that came with it died several years ago, and in its place stands another old model. The dryer takes forever to dry clothes, and there is a broken piece of plastic with a crevice where clothes with buttons on it get stuck and whipped around until the buttons are pulled off (I “fixed” this issue with a piece of gray duct tape that needs replacing about every few weeks. Annoying, but at least the buttons don’t get pulled off while the tape is on there.).
As I was reading Choosing Gratitude last week, God really changed my heart on these things. Not “once-and-for-all,” as I’m sure I’ll have to confront this issue more than once, but it really had an impact on me.
Nancy relates a story told by Paul David Tripp, in The Journal of Biblical Counseling:
“Passing through New Delhi, in one of the most horrible slums in the world, he [Paul] stood transfixed before a three-year-old boy leaning against the cot of his ailing, perhaps dying, mother. The boy’s eyes were hollow, his stomach distended, his face fly-infested–the very picture of massive, helpless, noxious poverty. The tears that streamed down Paul’s cheeks in observing this tragedy were indeed the heartfelt evidence of his compassion. He longed to sweep this boy and his mother into his arms, away from these dreaded depths of sorrow and endless need…Not long after he arrived back home, Paul was visiting with a church leader from India who had come to the States to study. In the midst of their conversation, he asked the man what he thought of Americans, to which his guest responded–in polite, Asian style–‘Do you want me to be honest?’ ‘Yes, I do,’ Paul answered.
But who could be ready for this:
‘You have no idea how much you have,’ the man said, ‘and yet you always complain.'”
There was so much more to the story, and I would encourage you to read the whole thing for yourself in Nancy’s book if you ever get a chance. But it was as if a sword had pierced my heart and I couldn’t breathe. Tears welled up in my eyes and I was filled with so many emotions:
A painful longing so strong I could hardly bear it, to go and help that poor little one and his mother and every little child (or grown person) suffering such terrible poverty and sorrow.
Extreme gratitude for all that I and my family have so graciously been given.
Shame for ever feeling discontent about such things as folding chairs at the kitchen table and old washers and dryers.
Through tears I entered my basement laundry area and felt such extreme joy at the piles of clothes that met me there. We have clothes to wear! They may have come from the thrift store and they may not be the latest styles, but we have clothes!
And this old washer and dryer seemed so beautiful to me. What luxury to be able to wash and dry clothes in the comfort of my own home! I almost hugged them I felt so happy and thankful to have them.
If we have our priorities straight, we will see that there is so much to be thankful for. Often in our society, we get caught up with wanting so much nice “stuff” and we forget to be thankful for what we do have.
Gratitude can transform something that once seemed unattractive and undesirable into a thing of great beauty and a source of joy.
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”
~1 Timothy 6:6-8
Angie,
Thank you so much for sharing such edifying thoughts! That is such a good revelation you had about a heart filled with praise not having much room for complaining. I hope your evening is blessed!
Mrs. White,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I have so far to go in this! I have to constantly remind myself to keep a grateful heart. It's sad, when we have so much and others have so little.
Thanks also for following and sharing my humble writing!
Blessings to you, Mrs. White!
Beautiful!~ A friend and I were in the Word on Wednesday together and read a passage speaking of having our whole heart filled with the praises of God. It would seem that there wouldn't be much room left for complaining if your Whole Heart was filled with awe. Convicting to me. And helpful and encouraging as well. Thank you for this beautiful post1
I just read your "goodbye" post on your other blog and came here, to find this post!
This is so inspiring and convicting! I have all kinds of ideas in my head now, not just to be grateful, but what I can do to help relieve suffering in others.
Thank you so much for this! I shared it on Facebook and Twitter.
I am following you now.
Blessings
Mrs. White
The Legacy of Home
Rowan,
You are so right about possessions not bringing true happiness. How often we need to be reminded to be thankful for the abundance we have!
Nell,
Welcome to my blog, and thank you so much for your kind comment! The saying you mentioned is so good to remember. Thank you for sharing it!
there is a saying that I complained that I had no shoes until I met a man that had no legs.
I have just found your site and I am loving your blog. I particularly love this post. It has touched my heart. I had a massive heart change a few years ago regarding contentment. I used to long for change.. not so much any more. thank you for sharing this it is much needed, we are indeed a blessed people, we all need reminders to never forget it.
thank you for sharing.
blessings to you Nell