Thankful for Food, Clothing, & Shelter

“And he said unto his disciples,
Therefore I say unto you,
Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat;
neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
The life is more than meat,
and the body is more than raiment.”
Luke 12:22-23

I forget that everyone doesn’t have food, clothing, and shelter. As I go about my overly, self-involved life, working with my husband to secure our needs and wants, I subconsciously settle into the belief that most people have the basic necessities. Only in the seasons, when we are lacking the resources to keep simple needs provided, do I begin to notice those who have less and those who have more. When I’m satisfied and not hungry, have more than enough clothes, and can make the payments and maintain our home without worry, I usually don’t give much thought to our needs. It’s when times are tough, the budget gets tight, our clothes are worn out, our home is in disrepair, and we’re not able to restock the pantry, that my attitude changes and gratitude goes out with the garbage. This year, I’ve tried to correct that and be thankful for something every day no matter what we lack.

Regrettably, I have often taken our provisions for granted:

• unappreciative when I have them
• ungrateful when I don’t

However, as I have made a more conscious effort to appreciate the things I do have by downsizing my belongings, determining the difference between needs and wants, and taking notice of the blessings I do enjoy, my heart and attitude are changing. I’m starting to be more thankful for the practical, useful things we own. I’m stressing less about what is broke, what we don’t have, or what isn’t right. I’m getting excited about seeing how I can save better and do without.

I know others have been simplifying and minimalizing for years. I’m really just starting, and have a ways to go on this journey, but this new mindset is changing my world. I actually want less and feel full. I’m not as tempted by things to buy. I’m glad to re-gift or repurpose.

Sure, I still get a little stressed when work is slow and the expenses and maintenance projects are piling up. The old me tends to get in the way of relying on God for my needs. That’s when false expectations and entitlement blind my view of reality.

God has always provided even in the lean years. I’m grateful He is teaching me to be more thankful. I’m learning to appreciate the food in the freezer, the clothes in my closet, and the galvanized roof over my head.

“Consider the lilies how they grow:
they toil not, they spin not;
and yet I say unto you,
that Solomon in all his glory
was not arrayed like one of these.
If then God so clothe the grass,
which is to day in the field,
and to morrow is cast into the oven;
ow much more will he clothe you,
O ye of little faith?
And seek not ye what ye shall eat,
or what ye shall drink,
neither be ye of doubtful mind.
For all these things do the nations of the world seek after:
and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
But rather seek ye the kingdom of God;
and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Luke 12:27-31

Bring It Home

How will you celebrate food, clothing, and shelter this Thanksgiving?

Praying for you as we grow together,

Smiles, BRC