The other day I found myself craving Caribou Coffee. I always order a large carmel cooler with no whip and no drizzle (and sometimes an extra shot of expresso!) However, I knew I couldn't get one. Our budget is tight this month and $5 for coffee was just not an option. I have to be honest, I was whining and complaining to myself.
"Why can't I have my coffee?"
"It's not fair!"
"I hate budgets!"
After a little whining I became thoroughly disgusted with myself. Didn't I just go to Ethiopia? Didn't I just take these pictures (see below)? What is wrong with me? The truth is, discontentment is sin! Like any sin it creeps into our lives and we are weak. Now I am not saying that drinking coffee is sin (heaven forbid!) but my attitude was wrong, it was sin.
Teaching my children to be content is tough. I do not have a magical solution other than to speak truth and model for them what true contentment looks like. For me, traveling to the eastern side of Africa and taking these pictures was a way to teach my children about contentment. Many of these pictures are displayed in our home. We pray for the ministry I visited, FOVC. We are working as a family to raise money for FOVC. Lord willing I will be taking another trip to Ethiopia! In the meantime, this summer my husband and oldest son (who is almost 11) are going on a mission's trip to the Dominican Republic. I am praying SO hard that it is a life changing trip for both of them.
100's of children are on a waiting list to attend FOVC's school. They stood outside of the fences everyday watching us interact with the FOVC kids. They smiled but it still hurt to know how deeply they want an education.
I was amazed at the genuine smiles of these precious children.
Our team brought over 28 suitcases full of donations. All the kids at FOVC got one new outfit. They looked radiant!
All the girls got manicures! Water is very scarce so getting their arms, hands and nails thoroughly clean was a big deal. They also got their arms rubbed with lotion and painted nails.
The poverty was overwhelming!
Below is a picture of FOVC kids with their new clothes. One new outfit is a big deal when compared to the pictures above.
So happy and blessed to be attending school.
The widows in the FOVC program cooked lunch for us everyday over open fires!
Water is very precious. Above is a well. Each family gets one yellow jug of water each day. The jugs weight about 40 pounds.
I am thoroughly disgusted with myself
when I am discontent.
I found these shoes one day at FOVC. They belonged to a little boy named Israel. I found him a new pair of shoes in our donations.
After receiving them he cried. I cried.
God, please forgive me for my discontentment.
Help me to teach my children to be content with what You give us.
Help us to give joyfully.
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Wow! That really puts things into perspective! It kind of makes our coffee cravings fade into obscurity when their most basic needs aren't even being met. Thanks for sharing. :)
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Thank you for this. It is always good to reflect upon what in our lives can be sacrificed in order to help our brother and sister near and far away. Posts like yours always lead me back to Christ and the words of the Fathers regarding possessions. This is taken from the Orthodox Church in America's website on the topic of almsgiving.
ReplyDelete"St. Basil the Great says that a man who has two coats or two pair of shoes, when his neighbor has none, is a thief. All earthly things are the possessions of God. "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell in it." (Psalm 24:1) Men are but stewards of what belongs to the Lord and should share the gifts of His creation with one another as much as they can."
Peaceful day to you.
Thanks Beth, beautiful quote!
ReplyDeleteIngrid, thanks for the encouragement. I had a similar situation last week when i relly wanted a starbucks coffee. The big picture is such a good reminder.
ReplyDeleteBeth, the quote you shared was awesome too! A thief? Really? Do you know how many coats I have??? And that's just thinking about coats, not about other things in my life!
I first read these words several Lents ago while we were in Chicago and had a very sleepless night. I immediately contacted my priest and later met with him to talk about this. What I wanted was for him to tell me exactly what to do, ie get rid of my coats and shoes (even if they were Goodwill bought). Instead, and wisely, he told me nothing but that I must struggle through this. Still struggling but gradually learning to let go of things, especially coats because I love them so much. Blessed day to you all. Christ is Risen!
ReplyDeleteIngrid, thanks for sharing that. My you continued to be moved and unsettled in our consumer culture and your heart continues to stir for those in need.
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