I was complaining to God today as I was plowing snow in this rattletrap truck that is on its last leg, had no heat, and the windows down because of the crazy exhaust seeping in (and they kept fogging up), and I said, “God you know you could get me a new truck here. After all I am trying to serve other people by plowing this parking lot and I am freezing my hands off!” But I realized that even this old beat up pickup is better than 90% of the world who have no cars. I know I am blessed, even though sometimes I just need a perspective shift. This old Nooma video reminded me to keep my focus on giving for the age to come and not be distracted by this momentary light affliction. Had a conversation with my friend about living as a conduit of blessing. But serving takes sacrifice. It costs. To take the way of Jesus seriously, the best question to ask is not what can I get, but what can I give? Who am I going to bless? Despite the rusty truck and the cold fingers, I know that I am rich because He is teaching me to give.
“Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.” — 1 Timothy 6:17-19