Once again, both of the boys are sick. Not the gross sickness of last time (was that really only 2 weeks ago?), but a feverish, coughing sick. And we didn’t even get to do my last H activity (though that wasn’t due to the sickness – just some late week business). I might add that into an early-week activity this week, if we can get going through all of this sick mess.
But I wanted to share with you the reason I chose this specific verse for the letter H.
“…be happy with what you have.” 1 Timothy 6:6 (also found in Hebrews 13:5).
I chose this verse because this is something I struggle with on a daily basis, and I would love to have EJ and Dieter not fight with this as they grow. A couple years ago, I was struggling so hard with wanting more than I had – and I even had the best things in life… A loving husband, a new baby boy, a wonderful home, and the opportunity to stay at home with my new baby. But I had just left a job that afforded us many luxuries that we would not be able to maintain while I stayed at home, and I struggled so hard with that. I did not rejoice in the ways that God was providing for us – I was angry that I saw others with what I (in my flesh) wanted. Thankfully, I have a wonderful husband who helped me through what was a very rough time for him (a new dad being the sole provider for his family, having to deal with a very materialistic and greedy wife), and we found this verse together. I needed this verse always before my eyes, so I hand-stitched the verse, framed it and hung it right next to my kitchen sink, where I would see it daily.
It is my prayer that by introducing this verse to EJ early in his life, he will learn how well God does provide for us, and what we have is the best for us in every way. In my mind, it’s kind of a warm-up verse for “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13. What a gift to be able to know this early in life!
I don’t want this to become a trite reminder in our house, though. While I would love to match every whine of EJ’s with “Be happy with what you have!”, I think he would become hardened to it. I pray that I will know when and how to encourage him with this verse, and I hope that I will be able to model this verse for both of the boys throughout my life.
ohamanda says
What a great message! I think your attitude and model is what will keep this from being trite in their lives.
Such a good reminder, Leigh!
Shanna says
Holy Moly – If I were to put our last 3 years into words that would be it. I left a great job to stay home with our boys and our lifestyle had to change significantly. But I wouldn’t trade being home with my boys for any designer anything!!! Although it doesn’t hurt to have the Lord reminding me of that every other hour or so on *those* days!!!! Now I have to think twice about going shopping today -eh I have a gift card, so it’s ok!!! 🙂
Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone!!!!
Melissa@Pink Paper Peppermints says
I love this so much. I need to make one of these for my kitchen.
Just discovered you guys through Amanda’s blog and I *love* it!!
Melissa~