splurging

See how the lilies of the field grow.
They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that
not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed
like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the
field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the
fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

MATTHEW 6:28–30

Okay, so my family definitely isn’t poor, but we’re not rich either. I’m not the type of girl that can go on shopping sprees every weekend and splurge on shoes and purses. But I’d love to … really love to. And I’m always jealous of girls who can. When my best friend gets a new pair of pants, it takes everything I have to be happy for her. I am happy, but I want a pair too. Contentment is a lesson I’m convinced I will never fully learn. I’ll struggle with it my whole life. But the apostle Paul seemed to have a good grip on it. Think about it. The guy was in prison more than once and was persecuted, and yet he was still able to sing and be perfectly satisfied with his situation. That was all because Paul wasn’t concerned with his material possessions. I highly doubt he compared his rags to the ones his cellmates were wearing. He focused on things of eternal value. And he believed that God would always provide for all of his needs—which he faithfully did for Paul and promises to do for us. Sometimes it really isn’t easy being content with what He provides for us, and my friend’s new jeans will probably always be appealing. But I just have to remember that the things God gives me are way better than a new pair of jeans.

Grace Bricker, 16, Jonathan Edwards Academy, Greenfield, MA

God, I want to be thankful for what
I have rather than just wanting, wanting,
wanting more, more, more. You give me all I need.