This afternoon I sat inside the home of a Thai family. A father, mother and 13-year-old girl share a single room that is reached by climbing up a rickety, wooden staircase that feels like it could give at any moment. Their entire living space is the size of my old bedroom in Springfield. From what I could see, the family sleeps atop comforters on the floor. There were no chairs to be seen. Hangers of clothing dangled from nails on the wall. They take showers somewhere else in the apartment building.
...
Admittedly, my Friday night a bit was self-indulgent. I usually don't spend that much on myself, especially all in one evening. So today as I sat on the floor of this family's home and glanced around, my heart was torn.
I don't believe we as Christians should totally deprive ourselves, but I sincerely pray that God would continue to direct my finances to His purposes and help me to never let my own comfort come before the needs of others. The things of this world are just that - things. May my most prized possessions be those of spiritual and relational worth.
I can live without much more than I think I need.
