This is the verse that was on our flip calendar yesterday. It is a kid's calendar, so the verse is paraphrased. Today, as I was about to turn the page, I paused long enough to read the verse. Here's what I read:
"It is better to be happy with what you have than always to be wanting more." (Ecclesiastes 6:9)
A fitting verse especially at Christmastime. At first my thoughts went to my children and their endless listmaking and revising this year. And then God got my attention and showed me that, while that verse may apply to any number of folks, today it needs to apply to me.
While I don't struggle with wanting material things, my "wants" tend to run to situations. Instead of being happy with what I have, I find myself wishing things away. I forget to embrace the now, to live in the moment, to welcome the place, the people, and the position God has placed me in now. When the baby wants to help me make soup and dumps a large amount of water on the counter in her efforts, I find it hard to be happy with what I have. Because what I have is a mess, and an adventurous, loud two year old. And yet. There is that precious little voice saying, "I cook toup wike you" and looking at me with all the love in the world. Without the mess I would also miss that moment.
This morning she looked at me and shook her head vigorously. "I not da baby anymore," she told me. And though I know that is really true, I argued with her. "You are my baby," I told her. But the time, it is so fleeting. I have today to treasure, to love, to feast on life. How could I want more than this?
5 comments:
I love that verse. It is so fitting for me right now. Not because I want luxury, but because making ends meet is causing me to lose the joy of Christmas.
I have a 3 month old...my first child. Guess what? She's already growing too fast! Just this morning, her 0-3 month clothes didn't fit and we had to move up to 3-6 month. Where has the time gone?? I want to live in the moment, too. I want to be glad with what I have. Thanks for your blog!
Hi Marybeth,
I just found your blog the other day. I loved reading your post on Wanting More. It is exactly what I needed to hear today. Thanks!
Thanks for reminding me of this. It is difficult to remember during this busy season when we are planning for the next event. Getting everything done is not as important as making memories and having fun doing it.
Blessings to you.
Amy
I love how that verse is worded. What calendar is that?
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