“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.” Proverbs 15:16

I’ve been reminded of some thoughts that I’ve had ever since I was able to go on two missions trips to Guatemala in the late 1970’s. I think what has reminded me is hearing about my children’s trips this summer: Rebecca to the First Nation people of Victoria, Canada, and John to the Fulani people of Cameroon, Africa. And now my nephew is on a mission trip in Rwanda.

I learned from the people of Guatemala that it is possible to be happy in the midst of poverty. I met Christian believers there who are content with their families and joyful in their faith. What a contrast it was compared with our American culture! People are a high priority there, and it struck me that material things are not necessary in order to have joy in one’s life. It was refreshing to see how they live without depending on material things to bring fulfillment. I still think of them often, and it helps to bring my priorities into focus.

A goal I would like to have is to simplify the things in my life. It is very difficult in our culture, but I try not to get caught up in the materialism-of always needing to have better and more. I can’t be successful with this attitude in my own strength, so I’m trying to depend on the Lord to help me with this. He is the only One who can change our attitudes and motivations. And lasting joy comes from Him, not from material things and various earthly treasures.

These are just a few of my thoughts on this subject. I’ll close with another verse that comes to mind.

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have, for He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ ” Hebrews 13:5