I had a day earlier this week when, for some reason, everything seemed a little clearer.  Every time I dressed my baby in soft, clean clothes, or wrapped her in a warm blanket, or laid my children down on their cozy beds, or fed them nutritious food, and gave them clean water to drink, or spent time with them, or bathed them, or felt the warmth of our home, or  prayed for my husband working hard to provide for us - I was so aware of what a precious gift these things were.  I felt that each thing was like I was holding gold.  I realized how incredibly rich I am.  To be able to give my children all of these riches is a great honour.  And I was so grateful to the Lord who gave them to me.  And I was aware of children who do not have these things or who do not have someone to give them.  Not because the Lord loves those children any less - certainly not.  His heart loves them (and my children) more than they could ever ask or imagine.  But in a my world of the day-by-day mom stuff that can become so all-encompassing, narrowly-focused, and at times overwhelming He allowed me to see beyond.  Partly, for His praise and glory for the gracious gifts He’s given me.  And partly to remind me to see with His eyes, and pray and care for children (and mothers) who don’t have the sweet gifts of clothing, or food, or home.

One day may come when I do not have all these things.  Does that make the Lord any less good?  Certainly not:

“…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

And if I lack any or all of these material things one day I can still find reasons to praise the Lord.  For these things will all pass away, but He is my Sustainer, my Provider, my Saviour, and my Strength.  And He is enough.  He is greater than gold.

But for now, I hope I can live in thankfulness, recognizing how rich I am, and using each piece of gold for his glory.