Distractions...

My 2 teenage daughters just returned from a 10-day missions trip to the Dominican Republic with our church youth group. They were ministering to Haitian refugees who now live in the DR, people who are rejected and despised, mostly because they are also draining the resources of another very poor country.

Yet, over and over, my girls commented how HAPPY everyone was, especially the children. They might be playing with garbage or a broken toy, but they are thrilled to be alive and able to live for God. In fact, because they have so little, they have no distractions, and they are so aware of their purpose on earth--to help others learn to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ!

So, my girls came home exhausted, but so full of joy! They realized all over again how absolutely fortunate we are in Canada to have shelter, food, clothing, schools, churches, roads, and on and on the list goes. The homes of the Dominican people are literally as big as our backyard shed, with one big difference. Our backyard shed looks like a palace in comparison, cute little windows, a proper roof and walls, a real floor instead of dirt.

So I have an abundance of food. That is certainly a distraction for me. Lord, teach me today to be so content, and so amazed at Your provision for me and my family. Help me to make wise, wise choices for what goes into my body, and make me GRATEFUL for where you have placed me on planet earth. May I not take for granted all the "stuff" You've provided for us, but please help it not to be a distraction from You.