No Husband Left Behind
HIM & HER — Together (on the Same Page)
[Prayer]
For Contentment
“Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die): Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches — Feed me with the food allotted to me; Lest I be full and deny You, and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:7-9)
Not Too Much:
Perhaps we would always rather be in a position of surplus, having far more than we really need. Perhaps in times of surplus, our Heavenly Father wants to teach us how to better share and give to others. This opportunity from abundance could help to develop within us a less selfish life, full of benevolence. A heart that is willing to “give” and “care for the poor” is one whom will usually find greater favor from above.
May we be ever so careful not to lose sight of Who provides for His people. Our Awesome God should be able to trust us to care for everything which He has placed within our care. That is until the time comes to release any “extra resources” to supply someone else’s need. This can be very exciting, being able to give a little which you can survive without, to provide so much for another person or family in great need of your offering.
Not Too Little:
When forced to be frugal, we may be in need of learning how to take what we are given and to make a little more. Learning to look for bargains, clearance items, liquidation sales, etc. can be especially helpful at times. Fortunately, I grew up within a home where shopping at yard sales and consignment shops was very important. Being able to stretch our money would mean “sufficient essentials”, plus something extra (like a toy to celebrate a birthday). Perhaps “children” (and maybe even “adults”) may naturally be okay with “less than the very best” society has to offer.
Let us be careful not to forget the entire Earth is the Lord’s (and all that is within it). All of the available resources we identify around us have been given to provide for all of us (each and every person alive). Food, clothing, shelter, utilities, transportation, and so on — our goal should be to utilize just enough for our family, and then share with others (within our community, and around the world).
Life Sufficient:
So, if we do not have “too much” or “too little”, we end up with a life of sufficiency (having enough for every need). This honestly is the perfect way to live. Some would consider the term “leaving a small footprint” or the idea of “not taking more than you give”. The Earth has been designed by our Creator to supply plenty, yet we must learn when to say enough for me … and something left over for someone else.
The end result should be an attitude of “win-win”. With enough in my life, I win. With some extra, I share (and they also win). Imagine what our world may look like if each of us would begin to live a little more like this … giving and sharing as much as we can spare (so everyone we know can live a life sufficient).
Prayer:
“Lord, teach me to be content with exactly what You have already provided. May I never lose sight of how much You love and care for me. Give me a loving heart like Yours, one that is always willing to share with those who may be in greater need. Thanks for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus Name, AMEN.”
From one who forever remains…
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo
Christian Community for Married Men and Women — (Knights) & (Damsels)