Just before returning home from our extended family outing on Saturday, my husband Kenya and I were reminded by the kids of our promise to buy each of them a simple toy or trinket that day. A vow is a vow, so even though the evening had run long, we headed out to the 24-hour Super Walmart to shop. Now, for those who are familiar with our parenting methods, they know Kenya and I believe in teaching our kids temperance in all things. We understand that exercising self-control is an important fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and a valuable life skill as well.
“You each can have one toy under ten bucks,” we explained to the young consumers.
“Yay!” they jumped and shouted, expressing unbridled excitement. Yet, Kenya and I were well aware of what would happen. Once they laid eyes on some of the more expensive items, this would create an internal conflict. Our formerly grateful children would grow sad and covetous of what they could not have.
We were oh so right.
When they realized how restrictive their budget was, the joy and ecstasy expressed only minutes earlier, was replaced with sorrow and gloom.
It was funny to observe how the two girls fared far worse than their younger brothers. In fact, Kedar and Kaleb made decisions relatively quickly after having their first budget-exceeding selections rejected. Kyla and Kaiah, on the other hand, kept working to get their dear parents to bend the rules a bit.
They tried everything: wearing long faces, walking with drooping shoulders, begging, and repeatedly lobbying for a budget increase. But Kenya and I stuck to the plan, kindly but firmly reminding our young negotiators of the original deal.
Once our dejected tween girls realized that the arrangement was non-negotiable, they suddenly saw the beauty in the stocked merchandise that fit into the parameters mom and dad had set. Miraculously, they rediscovered their joy, made a decision, and everyone left the store feeling satisfied.
I believe this example serves as a perfect model of the training process God takes us through in each of our lives. He teaches us how to be faithful over little, before entrusting us with much. He desires for us to appreciate, maximize, and use what’s already in our hand, rather than constantly extending our hand, requesting more.
God, who owns the cattle upon a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), doesn’t simply lavish everything upon us, though He very well could.
If He did, how would we learn discipline? How would we gain a holistic perspective like the one found in Philippians 4:12NIV? It says,"I know what it is to be 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 in want."
If our Heavenly Father gave into our every whim, how would He teach us to recognize the awesomeness of what we already possess—even if it doesn't reflect the totality of all we hope to attain, achieve, or become in life?
Today, I want to put a willingness to maximize what you have in your cup of inspiration. When you drink it down, you'll stop fixating on, obsessing over, or moping because of what you don't have. Even when you see all the wonderful things, opportunities, and doors you may not have access to right now, you'll humbly thank God for the portion He has allotted to you, whatever that may be.
When you shift your attention away from all that is inaccessible and focus on what God has blessed you to enjoy, your perspective will change. A clearer picture of the beauty and potential that exists somewhere within your current station in life, will emerge.
Then, as you begin to maximize and appreciate what you have, peace and contentment will replace restlessness and heaviness. Psalm 103: 2KJV will take root in your heart and you'll be saying, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."
Lord, sometmes it can be so easy to focus on what I don't have to the point where I no longer value what I do possess. Please forgive me for my ungrateful heart and help me to maximize what I have, instead of mourning what I don't. Right now, I'm taking this moment to praise You for the portion in life You have seen fit to bless me with, and I give You glory for all Your wonderful benefits. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, empower, and encourage you.
