Some are blessed with more than others, let each of us not watch the other and desire the other’s life. Let us instead be content with our life and be grateful each day and do not keep wishing for more. More will come if that is God’s will. Let us be full of Joy and Gladness today.  JPJ

There are days when I just feel buried under the insurmountable pressures of life, the bills to be paid, the debts, the kids to be taken care of, house to be cleaned, and so much more. When I think about the kids and the fact that repetition seems to get me nowhere; it does not matter how much I say do not throw your clothes on the floor, put away your shoes, open the windows and allow fresh air to come through, it matters not. The more I talk the more they do the opposite – sigh- I need someone to help…

These everyday routine can get to the best of us mothers, especially for single moms and moms whose spouses are the breadwinner. We still make it our duty to worry about the bills and debts which seem like a mountain to us. We can’t help worrying or wanting things to be different and for our situation to be different…

So when I feel overwhelmed and I think if only I could employ someone to help, or if only I had a certain amount in the bank. If only I could have money, if only I could, if only I could….

I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 5:9-20 where it tells us that we are to be content in life. We should not wish for things that we feel will make life better but instead be happy with what we have. We are reminded that “riches are not the answer to our problems” because the more riches a man have, the more problems and responsibilities that it carries with it. If we do not know how to handle riches in a way that glorifies God then it will go as easily as it came.  Riches handled irresponsibly prevents us from resting as easily as the person who is content with where God has placed him/her. Riches remove our focus from God and causes us to think we can do this on our own.

And so as I meditate on the chapter I realize that we really need to be content in our current calling whatever it maybe. I should be happy to serve my family and to find simple joy and gladness in the here and now. I do not need to wish for riches so I can take care of the bills or employ help but instead I need to pray to God for my daily sustenance of strength and resources to take care of my needs.

Have you ever been in a situation where you thought there was no way out and then life turns for the better? That is God’s Plan coming to fruition, we need to understand that nothing surprises God; he knows our needs and provisions have already been made. So why not start thanking him in advance for those provisions?

God expects us to be our very best with our circumstances, he expects us to stamp all that we do whether at home, work or play with a stamp of excellence, joy and gladness. He expects us to be constantly grateful to be in a position to serve others in whatever way we can and to serve them with Joy. Life is a gift to us from God, none of us know when we will exit this temporary place and so we should look forward to everyday with gratitude, we need to just enjoy life while we have it.

Affirm: Life is short to be concerned and to become overwhelmed. So while I am working to “take care of life”, I will remember to be grateful, full of joy and gladness. I will also remember that life is a precious gift from God. It is well and I am well.