Discontentment is not an economic condition; it is a heart condition, and is therefore only affected by what is within, not the circumstances without. Children of truly poor families, but raised on smiles, hugs, and a spirit of togetherness, will think they are well off. Kids fed on beans, cabbage, and cornbread will think it is the best stuff in the world. Kids never know they are poor unless someone in the family gripes about it. (Michael Pearl)
We have it wrong today. We think our children need all these things so the mother leaves the home all day working for things. The dad works long hours away from home working for things. Children want this and that and won't be happy if they don't get the new thing. Everyone thinks they are entitled to things, even free things.
This mentality has destroyed marriages, families, and is destroying our society. We want and don't have, so we sacrifice our marriages and families to get what we want. We go deep into debt and discontentment, thinking that a new spouse or a new thing will make us happy.
All children really want is a happy, warm, and loving family. YOU can give them that. Mommy, stay home if your husband will let you and fix your children rice and beans if that is all you can afford. They want you. They want you loving their daddy. They want you smiling and being happy. They want you enjoying life.
My grandbaby Emma is so happy. I was telling Erin's {my daughter-in-law} mom that Emma was going to be a happy child. Her mom responded, "How could she not be happy? She has a happy mommy, daddy, and grandma!"
That is the best gift you can give your children. Let them see the joy of the Lord spilling out of you. Be thankful for your rice and beans. Be thankful for blue skies and running water. Be thankful for Jesus living in you and all of His promises. Be thankful for everything!
This is the day which the LORD has made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
