give and take

I have heard the phrase "it is better to give than to recieve" my whole life. I never agreed.  Just a few weeks ago I was having sushi with a friend and telling him that I honestly beleived that money could buy me happiness.  Immediately after this conversation my hours at work went from full time to 11.  

However, I notice a change in me over the past week.  For over a week now I have had less than $10 in my bank account and I have felt more joy in that time period than I have for years.  I have learned a few principles over the past few weeks.

First, the more you give away, the more God gives back.  Bill Johnson says that when you give to those in need, you are lending money to God and His interest rates are incredible.  I have seen this first hand.  The more I give, the more joy I have and the more God gives back to me.  It's a scary thing to try, but if you are in need I challenge you to find a need around you and meet it.

Second, contentment is not based on material things.  Due to a lot of bad choices in my past I ended up homeless for a period of time.  One night a friend of mine from the street came into a little bit of money and we bought a loaf of bread, a half-gallon of milk, and half a watermelon.  This is the meal that I remember being the most fulfilling and delicious meal of my life.  A goal I have set in my life is to be content in all situations.  I find contentment to be a choice, a perspective.  So every day, as I brew my coffee instead of buying my over-priced latte, I choose contentment.

Third, God can be trusted.  As I listen to His voice and follow Him, I find that I am on a trip full of glory and joy.  God is good.  That will never change.