Thankful For Change

Thankful for Change

From one man [God] created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.

Acts 17:26

Do you wish you were born into a closer-knit family or community? We may be drawn to the Amish because we sense they have something we don’t. It’s true that they have different things, but are they better things? Can we say that their lifestyle is better than our own?

God is the One who chose the time and season in which we were born. He had a purpose in putting us into the families we have. Discontentment is looking to others and wanting what they have. Another word for this is coveting, a word used in older versions of the Ten Commandments. I have to remember that if God wanted me to be born into an Amish community, He could have made that happen. He sets us in nations, communities, and families and determines the boundaries of each of them.

What is reasonable is to appreciate someone else’s lifestyle and consider how we can make positive changes in our own. I have done this. Because of my connection with the Amish, I’ve learned how to appreciate my own community more. I have reached out to my neighbors. I’ve opened my home more often. I’ve also learned to be happy with less. I’ve gone through my closet and given away clothes. I’ve tried to dress more simply, and I don’t worry so much about having just the right outfit and shoes.

God chose me to live an English lifestyle, but He brings people and experiences into my life to help me examine my choices, my heart. How about you? Have you taken time lately to examine your life and your heart? Does God want you to make any changes in your lifestyle? If you haven’t taken time to ask Him, today’s a perfect day to do it. One prayer God always answers is Lord, how do You desire for me to change? You simply need to ask.

Dear heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I’ve been discontented about the life You’ve given me. Foster in me a thankful heart, and show me the positive changes You desire for me to make right where I am.