Birthday Blessings

"Do not indulge in dreams of having what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess, and then thankfully remember how you would crave for them if they were not yours."
- Marcus Aurelius

PERSON 1
Oh, if I only had this.  I could really use one of these.  This would match my outfit SO well.  This would make my life so much easier.  And I definitely NEED this.  And maybe this too.  And this for work.  And this for vacation.  And this for my fall wardrobe.  And this in this color. And these because they MATCH this.  

PERSON 2
I wish I could have food.  I am so hungry.  I would love to have some fresh, cold water today.  I wish I had a new pair of shoes because my feet get cold and wet.  I wish I had a new toy to play with.

BIG difference between 1 and 2, right?  Most of you reading this probably fall into the category of person 1.  We long for materialistic things;  things we don't really NEED, but rather want.  We don't worry about where our next meal is coming from or if there is bacteria in our filtered water.  If we need a different pair of shoes, we go to our closet or the store.  If we want a new toy to play with, we save up and go buy an iPad or a new cell phone.

Don't forget to be thankful for what you have.  There ARE people who fall into category 2.  It is easy to get caught up in our lives and forget to be thankful for everything we have.

Our challenge to you this week - Next time you pour yourself a big glass of water or sit down to a hot meal, think about those who don't have that luxury.  And remember, the best things in life aren't things.

Today's Starfish

The child Devon and I sponsor, Sonton, is turning 5 on October 2 (which also happens to be my birthday!).  For a gift, we sent a birthday card with a little bit of money inside.  In the card, we told him how much we love him and that Jesus loves him too.  We told him he shares a birthday with me and that Devon and I would be spending that day together and would be thinking of him and praying for him.

With the monetary gift we are giving Sonton, he is able to pick something he wants - whether it be rice for his family, a new toy or doll, or new clothes.  This is probably one of the first gifts Sonton has ever received.  We are providing something for this young child that so many of us may take advantage of.

As Sonton grows up, we will strive to build a relationship with him.  Just as Devon stated to me earlier today - It is not always about the material things.  She is thankful (me too!) that she gets to spend my birthday week with me and help me celebrate.  Friendship is one of the greatest gifts that we can receive, and that we can give.  And don't you forget that!