They are so wrong.

Meet Josphine. 

She is a beautiful young lady who attends Lighthouse Christian Church with us on Sunday mornings.  She is quiet and has a gentle spirit.  This past Sunday she touched my soul. 

I woke up Sunday morning a bit discouraged.  I was praying that the Lord would change my heart and my attitude.  

Mark was preaching in adult church (you know you work with children's church when you start calling it "adult church") so we were blessed to be able to sit in on the adult service.  I'll admit that my heart wasn't there.  I was struggling.  

After worship, this beautiful friend got up and read a poem that she had written.  The tears began to flow from my eyes. After service, I had her write her poem into my journal so that I could have it to read again and again.
Here is the poem that Josphine has titled "Thank You Lord." 

Thank you Lord

While the world looks upon me 

as I struggle along

They say I have nothing

but they are so wrong

In my heart I'm rejoicing

How I wish they could see

Thank you Lord for your blessing on me. 

There is a roof above me 

I have a good place to sleep

There is food on my table

and shoes on my feet

You gave me your love Lord

and a fine family

Thank you Lord for your blessing.

I know I'm not wealthy 

and these clothes they are not new

And I don't have much money

But I have you Lord

And that's all that matters 

though the world may not see.

What a perspective change I had that morning.  Although I had been struggling and things were weighing on me, my focus was moved.  My focus moved to the Lord; how good He is, how rich His blessings are that He's given to me.  My heart was changed.  The Lord spoke to my heart through this friend and I'm so thankful for that. 

So often, we as Americans, tend to look outwardly at things and base our happiness on what we have.  But, that's not how it's supposed to be.  Josphine has it.  She gets it.  She understands.  She knows that it's not about money, or clothes, or stuff -- It's about the love of Jesus and the blessing that it is to know Him.  When we breath our last breath it's not going to matter how much money we have, how well our children are dressed, how well our closet is stocked with brand name clothes.  It won't matter how much stuff we have at home or how immaculately decorated our house is.  It won't matter.  None of that will matter.  What will matter is that we have loved Jesus and we have devoted our lives to following Him.  

I want to be known for my love for Jesus.  I want to be known for having a servant's heart and having a love for His people.  If you were to come to my house right now, this is probably what you'll see: 

*3 adorable children who love Jesus.  They will most likely be dirty. They will probably have the same pair of shoes on that they've been wearing since we got here.  They most likely won't have matching clothes on, but they will have joy in their hearts and they will be happy to see you. 

*a mom who doesn't have it all together.  A mom who makes mistakes yet is clinging to Jesus for forgiveness and restoration.  A mom who loves people.

*A dad who leads this family with love and grace.  A dad who teaches us what it means to follow Jesus.  A dad who loves.

* A home that is home for us.  It's not 2 story or even 3 bedroom but it's home and we love it.  It's comfortable, it's a roof over our heads and it's a blessing.  

My perspective has been changed.  Josphine's poem spoke to my heart.  No matter what your circumstances are like, we must remember the blessings that God has given us.  We must remember that we are loved and cared for.  We don't have to have the stuff or the clothes or the house to prove it.  He's given us life.  He's given us hope.  He's given us His Son.  

That's more than enough for me.