Sitting at dinner with friends last night, one of the children mentioned the continuing pain from her sprained ankle. My wife offered some pain reliever if desired. A younger, precocious child immediately asked if she to could have some pain reliever. Wendy asked, “Are you in pain, too?”
Hearing the question, the child pounded her own forearm with the opposite fist and playfully yelled, “OOWWW!!” Given the child, the situation, and my wife’s absolute adoration of this young nymph, the laughter erupted like Vesuvius. It was one of those moments when you laugh until you cry and everyone around you gets tickled as well. Yes, our sides ached as we tried to finish the meal.
As I rehearsed the scene in my mind this morning, several things came to mind. First, thank You, LORD, for friends, children, laughter, and the fellowship of the beloved. Second, thank You for lessons learned in all sorts of circumstances.
How often do I ask my Father for things that I do not need simply because others have them. Like my pre-teen friend, I will often create a need in order to have it filled.
Paul informed young Timothy, “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NLT)
May we enjoy the abundance of His graces already received today and avoid pounding our own forearms, hoping for some additional, unneeded gift. We are indeed fortunate children of our merciful Father. You are loved mightily!