“Just a thought … by Paul Harper
Some years ago Liz and I visited the lovely City of Chichester, it was good to have time to unhurriedly explore and to indulge in what I believe is called “retail therapy”.
I was well prepared with my list of wants, but to our surprise and disappointment we were unable to visit any shops and stores, because the whole of the main shopping area was blacked out, due to a major power failure, suddenly normally amiable shop-keepers who would welcome customers into their shops, appeared to be rather hostile in protecting their properties.
This experience made me appreciate that there is a world of difference between what we want and what we need!, which can be summed up as follows:
I wanted strength: God gave me difficulties to make me strong
I wanted wisdom: God gave me problems to learn to solve
I wanted prosperity: God gave me brain and brawn to work
I wanted courage: God gave me dangers to overcome
I wanted love: God gave me troubled people to help
I wanted favours: God gave me opportunities
As the 16th. Century hymn-writer George Herbert said:
“Lord you have given us so much, give us one thing more…..
A grateful heart”