my name is written on your hands

     Sometimes you hear something or read something and you're like "that's exactly what I needed to hear!"  So that's what I was thinking today.  Lately I've really been trying to minimize my wants and appreciate what I already have.  I'm not always successful so don't think I'm trying to be all preachy about what you need to do.... it's easier said than done.  To help me out... I've been praying on Matthew 6: 19-21 which says:

 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

I want to want less.  I don't want my heart to be tied to the material things I have.  Those things should not matter or have the hold on me that they often can.  Material goods should enhance my life.. they should not be my life or make me stressed in life.  I often want "things" because I'm convinced that whatever it is will fill the need I'm feeling... even when there's really no need at all.  When I pray on Matthew 6: 19-21, I remind myself that everything on this Earth is the Lord's.  None of it is mine- really, it's on loan to me.  Even the things that I "earned" with my money, or my intelligence, or my hard work are not mine at all.  It is God who gave me the ability to do everything I do.  I'm reminded of that in Psalms 24: 1

"The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it"

I was reminded of this... actually slapped in the face with "why the heck didn't anyone say this to me sooner because it is the truth!"  when I read a post on one of my favorite blogs today.  The blog post (oh, sorry. i thought that was mine.) was about how the blogger's daughter had to go to the emergency room.. but it was about more than that.  It made her realize that she didn't have control- that God was in control.  Even more than that... it helped her remember that her baby girl was not hers.  

Just like Psalms 24:1 says "... and all who live in it."  Not just the material things, not just the house and car and clothes and stuff... but the people too.  It's hard to wrap your mind around that fact.  

Jami (aka the blogger from my favorite blog) said it perfectly "it's hard to love something so much and realize you can't control the outcome of their lives. or even their days" then she asked such an important question... "why does it make me sad that i can't control their lives? because i think i'm better than God..."  Of course she doesn't.  Of course I don't- but why then do I act like it so often.  I choose to place my faith and my trust and my hope in the Gospel.  It doesn't mean it's easy but I choose to trust Him with my life and Peyton's.

On that note... here's my favorite song from church this past Sunday (Counting on Your Name by Tim Hughes)