I Believe..................

"That life is more precious than money
will ever be able to be."

I've always said that I believe this statement to be true.  Yet, I must admit to the times in my life when I have fretted over wanting things I didn't have.  I've never been without what I needed, but I've often wished for things I wanted.  Momma used to call them our "need-cessities".  We had those things needful to sustain life.  I wonder sometimes if most people even understand the difference between what they need and what they want anymore?

I don't consider myself a rich person.  I have a modest income and my monthly bills are paid.  I can buy the food I need to nourish my body, plus some of the things I just want or enjoy.  I have clothes to keep me covered and warm, plus some of those shoes I drool over!  My car isn't new, but it's in good running order and paid for.  My house isn't grand, but it keeps me warm in the cold, cool in the heat, and dry in the rain.  And, it's almost paid for!  I can't take extended dream vacations, but I take getaway trips to relax and regroup almost any time I want.  All in all, when you stop to consider it, I'm much more wealthy than first thought.

Yet, with all that, the things that bring real joy to my heart can't be bought and sold.  No financial sacrifice could restore my husband's health once it was gone.  Heaps of money shoveled to various medical providers could not deliver me a baby when I so wanted one.  Even all the money saved and ear-marked for that adoption couldn't buy my health in order to make me feel dependable enough to care for a child.  When the people I love are hurting, mountains of money can't stop their pain.

My one hope, my sustenance, in all of that is the Lord.  Without Him, I would be hopeless and helpless.  I often find it ironic that we run about our little lives so desperate to make money, only to find that all that money can't give us the things we need or desire in order to live with quiet contentment and a peaceful countenance.

As I age and as disease takes more of me each day, I find strength and encouragement in the gold only Jesus Christ can give..........a quiet spirit, a contented heart, a peaceful soul and sure hope for the future.  Oh that each individual could but realize money is only paper, but Jesus is eternal LIFE!

"You say, ‘I am rich.

I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’

And you don’t realize that you are wretched

and miserable and poor and blind and naked.

So I advise you to buy gold from me—

gold that has been purified by fire.

Then you will be rich.

Also buy white garments from me

so you will not be shamed by your nakedness,

and ointment for your eyes

so you will be able to see.

I correct and discipline everyone I love.

So be diligent and turn from your indifference."

Revelation 3: 17-19   (NLT)