Aug 26 2008
Trying hard not to keep up with the Jones
There was a time when we lost many material things. We lost almost everything except each other, our family, and our faith (which is what pulled us through). Through many hard struggles I’ve learned to be thankful for what we do have, realizing that it would have been worse to loose them instead.
The other day in my devotion I read from Philipians and these verses just jumped out at me in Philippians 4:11-13 Paul says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
Those verses spoke so loudly and threw that lesson back in my face. I had learned what is truly important and I had learned that Christ would carry me through because he had, he carried my whole family.
I will admit, I still struggle and want to keep up with the Jones, but I’m trying to rather be content in any situation. God has truly blessed me with my husband, my kids, my family and friends, my church and most of all, He’s given himself so that I might truly live. What need do I have of more? Yet he does bless and provide, he has provided for our needs, not to keep up with the Jones but we’re still healthy and have each other and what we need.
My biggest struggle though is passing on this lesson to my children. I want so much for them not to be wanting or to feel less because they don’t have what their friend has. I wish desperately that I could provide a “better” life for them, but there I go teaching th opposite, teaching them to find happiness through their possesions.
I was pleased though, this past weekend, when I started their back-to-school shopping at the thrift store (both to save my wallet and the earth) that I didn’t get complaining, well my oldest wasn’t happy when I first told him about it but when I shared the reasons why (he got the consumerism and carbon footprint lecture) he accepted it and in the end was thrilled with what I got him. When I pulled his “new” book bag out of the bag I got a “sweeeeet.”
Hopefully I can remember to not only be content and trust God, I want to teach my children this as well.
2 Responses to “Trying hard not to keep up with the Jones”
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Thanks, sometimes I don’t do so well but I keep trying:)