I never had very much growing up, yet I was always happy and content with what I did have. I never seemed to want more as far as possessions go because I knew we could not afford them. I also looked at my grandparents who did not seem to have much to the “worldly eye” yet they always were happy and content! Everything they had was paid for. There was no debt. They did not believe in credit cards or owing any man anything. Many of their things they had were used. My Papaw worked for the street department of our city and would often find great used items people were throwing away. He brought home bicycles to repair, books, toys, clothes, and many more items! There was always something! He also would bring home breads, hostess cakes, Little Debbie Snack Cakes, and other food items which the stores had to get rid of because of the expiring soon date. He would share them with us as well as my mom’s sister’s family. We always had a freezer full of goodies whether they were healthy or not! He and my grandmother always shared with everyone whether they knew them or not. They also would help people the best they could. People would come knocking on their door wanting money, if they had it, they would give it. If they did not have it, they would at least offer them some food to take with them to eat. Their home was very modest, but always welcoming to anyone in the neighborhood or anyone at all for that matter! My aunt and uncle who raised my dad (Granny and Bud) were also very happy and content with all they had though it was not much. Again, they were debt free. My Uncle Bud had a 1980 Dodge Aspen which he purchased brand new with cash! It was still running well several years after he passed away in 1992. They also had a forty acre farm a nice house which my uncle had built and even two large barns. It was a very nice place, but still not ideal to the world view. It was plain and simple! Granny and Bud also did all they could to help others. My Granny never birthed any children of her own, yet she was a mother to many. My Uncle Bud was a quiet and reserved man, but he still wanted to help others. They were older than my other grandparents and were retired as long as I remember. My Uncle passed away when I was eleven and a half. My Granny did not pass away for nearly 15 years afterward. She was still happy and content and tried to help everyone the best she could.
Even though I did not have much growing up or at least much to the world, I was a happy child and always had ALL of my needs met! I always had food to eat and clothes to wear! Yes, some of it was given to us, but God always provided even during the times my dad was sick and out of work. Now, I am married and I have more than I ever had as a child! I loved my life in Tennessee. I did not have a fancy house, but it was one built with love by my husband. By the way, it is my dream home and the perfect home for me! We moved in before we ever put down floor coverings, and then the floor coverings were never put on! However, I still loved the house. I covered the floors with rugs which were given to us and kept them as clean as I possibly could. I was asked by a few family members if I was really happy living in the house. I said, “Yes, why wouldn’t I be? It is the house my husband built for me!” I was so very happy! We put an addition on in 2008, which we desperately needed with our growing family, but it was not an absolute necessity.
Now, we are in Michigan for a temporary time. I have found myself for the first time in my life not being content with where I am living! I hate to admit my faults, but it is true! I was so very depressed when we first moved here! I just wanted to go home. The house here is very nice. It is larger than our house in Tennessee, there are some things which are even better about it than the one in Tennessee such as I have my very own room dedicated just for sewing. We also have an extra room and bathroom for company (though we seldom have it here). We live by the road here and the cars going by are always loud. There is a lot less acreage. The people in the stores are almost ALWAYS rude! The last time we visited a church there was even a church member who was rude to us! I suppose my Southern family lifestyle spoiled me and really made it easy for me to be content even though I did not have everything.
Recently, God convicted me yet again of my discontentment! He reminded me of his precious promises in Deuteronomy 28: 1-6.
“And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.”
The phrase which sticks out the most, I highlighted above! God will bless you in the city or in the field (country)! Just follow HIM!
God promises that no matter where we are HE WILL always bless us if we continue to put him first and obey his commandments! I am so very blessed! He has greatly blessed us! I have put my sorrows and self-pity aside (by the way I have not really shared this with anyone and no one really knows how I have really felt all this time). I am holding again to my life verse Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
I share all of this information with my readers today to let you know, God will always take care of you! He promises HIS children HE will! He has always taken care of us! I have needed nothing since we have been in Michigan! ALL of my needs have been met and exceeded! God is amazing! I am looking forward to HIS many blessings now that I am out of my self-pity and wallowing in the mire! There will be times in your life when it is difficult to be content. We are human, it is normal! However, take what you have and use it for God’s glory no matter what your situation and see how much he blesses you! I came to the conclusion I was discontent a few weeks ago (in fact it was over a month ago now), and since I have been really trusting in the Lord, he has blessed us beyond measure! He was already taking care of us and blessing us, but getting my heart where it needed to be made it all the sweeter!
Yes, I still long to be home in Tennessee, but I know God has a purpose for me here! I am anxious to do HIS will and see what blessings he has in store! I also know HE is helping me grow stronger and closer to HIM! I hope I have encouraged some of you as well! May God bless you no matter where you are!
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