We can always spot others who "have it better" than we do. My experience has been that those who seemingly have it all, i.e. huge homes, fancy cars, etc.. don't always have peace and happiness in equal measure. I've noticed you can even make some children angry by giving them something they love, like ice cream, if someone else gets just a little bit more than they did. Our nature is to be jealous and want more for ourselves.
I've tried in my life to teach my children to be thankful and humble for their many blessings in their life. My fears are that the gifts and trappings of our world turn into expectations and demands. Nothing easy or fancy in this life is guaranteed, or deserved. Our duty and expectations are to give love and service to others while we are on this earth.
I recently had the privilege through our church's "serve day" of sharing just a little bit of love to the senior citizens at Morning Pointe home in Franklin. What a great reward my children and I received with such little effort on our part. The kind and grateful souls there gave us such a blessing in our day. Most importantly, I was able to share giving love with my precious children. We were all uncomfortable at first, but that soon gave way to laughter, smiles, and love with the people we shared time with. I look forward to our next trip.... soon.
"Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me." John 12:26
