katiemovic - A grateful heart.

I am not sure why I have been so blessed. It was not by my own effort that I was born in the U.S. - the land of abundance. And still, in 23 years of life, I have rarely taken a second glance at the basic provisions which I have never lacked. Clean water that flows from pipes straight into my home. An endless supply of food. Free education. A house made of bricks with a sturdy roof. Parents (and good ones at that). A healthy body (and with that, the availability of good doctors when I am not well). Yes, these are simple amenities that we as Americans simply expect will be available; but how often do we thank God for the small things (that in actuality are not so small, especially if you begin to imagine life without them)? For me, it is not nearly enough.

When we are living life, blessed beyond words and lacking nothing, it becomes too easy to forget the simple truth that "every good and perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17). Here in Swaziland I have seen farmers worship God for the rainfall, because they know that without the rain, their crops won't grow, and without the crops, there's no food on the table. The rain is a gift from God. I have seen mothers weep for joy at the opportunity to send their children to school. The provision of money to pay school fees, and even the school itself is a gift from God. I have heard men thank God for giving them work - even when it is digging ditches or selling peanuts on the side of the road. They know that the ability to work is a gift from God. I have seen grown men and women sing and dance in gratitude for receiving a visitor in their home. Friendship is a gift from God. This list could go on and on.

This past Sunday, I attended a church where the Swazi pastor preached on material wealth and the dangers of striving after it. He said one thing that resonated in my heart: "The western world feels sorry for Africa, because they know we are in physical need. But in all of their physical and material abundance, they are experiencing spiritual poverty. They do not ask God for his provision, and they do not thank God for their abundance. It is as though they are saying, ‘we don't need God because we already have all we need.'"

What an interesting concept! We see their poverty so clearly. And they see ours.

Sadly, this doesn't sound too far off... When was the last time we worshipped in the rain or thanked God for a glass of water? It seems as though we have much to learn from this fascinating continent and from these grateful people.

I want to take this opportunity to thank my financial supporters again for sharing God's provision to them with me. I'm grateful for the generosity of others. My heart has been challenged as I consider the "good and perfect gifts from above" that have fallen into my lap. I'd like to challenge each of you, my faithful blog readers, to thank God today. Thank him for your education, your family, your health, your abilities, your savings accounts, and maybe even for the rain (or in your case, the snow - I realize this could be difficult!)

I am truly grateful for each of you.

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." 1 Timothy 6:17-19