GRATEFUL

 

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.            I Thessalonians 5:18

 

One of the countries in which we work is desperately impoverished, but the people themselves do not appreciate being labeled “poor.” And in truth, their dependence on Christ Jesus renders them very rich indeed.
In a brainstorming session with the regional Director of Education, we discussed strategies for motivating young students in our scholarship program. We spoke of this and that, and then I asked if we might host a dinner for the students who had excelled along with their families. As I watched this man processing the idea, his face began to light up, and his eyes twinkled. “And we could give each of them—a bar of soap,” he burst out with enthusiasm.
How often nowadays do I think of that bar of soap that would be prized by the region’s high achievers.
In all the world we all have been given the Savior, Christ the Lord, the greatest of all treasures. In our country, we have been blessed with abundance that is the dream of most countries of the world. In our families, even those who might be labeled “poor,” are rich compared to many struggling economies.
I am working on my Christmas list just now, happy that my family has agreed to limit giving amongst ourselves as we recognize God’s bounty and the needs of others. I am wondering how many faces will light up when they open their bars of soap?

 

Father, if heaven weren’t our future and your everyday blessings a reality, knowing you and enjoying you every single day is enough. THANK YOU. AMEN.