Several days ago, I had a very humbling experience. In my mail box I had a letter from Tirana, Albania. It was from the little boy, Gerald, I am blessed to sponsor through World Vision.
Around Christmas time, I had responded to an email from World Vision asking if I would like to make an extra Christmas donation to my sponsor child. After spending a better portion of the day kicking the idea around, I decided to go ahead and make a donation of $100, and I was notified that Gerald's needs would be assessed and the money would go toward the greatest need of him and his family. Then within a few months I would receive a picture and a thank you letter telling how the money was used.
When I opened my letter, I saw a picture of my little boy standing in front of a box of food and other assorted items.
It shames me to think how easy it would have been for me to say, "No, I'm already giving a monthly donation. I don't need to send any more money," and I could have easily blown that $100 in any number of unimportant ways.
But thankfully, I got to share the blessings God has given me and actually make a difference and help provide for the greatest need of Gerald, his mom and dad, and two siblings.
Now all I can do is pray God would give me wisdom to do His will and remove any greed from my heart - the greed that would play through my head saying, "No, Lyndee, you're doing enough; you don't need to do more. Keep this [money, time, etc.] for yourself."
On a different note - the no-sugar/processed carbs for Lent is going pretty well. My cravings haven't been too terrible (although I do eat a fair amount of the non-sweetened dried fruits when my sweet tooth kicks in). And even though sometimes I feel like I'm eating more, I feel a little more trim. Taylor and I also feel like we're more alert. I've noticed that even when there's a night where I don't get as much sleep, I don't feel like I'm completely dragging the next day. I'll still get tired at night, but it's not like I'm riding the struggle bus during mid-afternoon or needing a coffee pick me up that hour after lunch. I'm thinking I may have to make a deal with myself after Lent is over to set aside 3 or 4 days out of the week and continue to make them no-sugar-days.
Western Kansas Fact: Pastures can be deceiving.
I grew up in an area where you figure a cow needs 4 acres of grass to sustain herself. The grass grew tall, and often we had to cut it during the summer. Out here, it does take more acres per cow, but the grass can be pretty surprising. Even though it may look short and insubstantial, native grasses like buffalo grass are very nutrient dense and make great pasture.
As I wrote this post, this Scripture kept running through my head.
Give and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap good measure - pressed down, shaken together and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.
Luke 6:38
This Scripture reminds me that God doesn't intend for me to hoard the gifts He has given. He wants me to trust that He will continue to provide for my needs, so I can be generous with others especially when that generosity ultimately brings glory back to Him.
Next time I'll tell you about Africa!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Lyndee
P.S. Every morning I read a daily devotional and then send it out in an email to a small group of people. If anyone would ever like to receive this, send me your email and I can add you to my group list!
