I decided yesterday in my quiet time that I needed to get this house in a bit more order. Again, I don't have a timeline, so I did not approach it as I usually do, having what I call a 'throwing away party'. I chose a couple tasks that needed to be done and began.
First, I went thru the clutter on the kitchen table, ( I know I'm probably the only one that has clutter on the kitchen table right?) Earlier in the morning, I had a text chat with a friend who said she had gotten all her cabinets cleaned out. Knowing her as I do, I doubt that was a very big job, certainly not like what I'm about to tackle!
I chose one cabinet and began dragging it all down to the counter. I had recipes on top of recipes! I found some jewels, handwritten ones from my mother and grandmother, a few from clients who have long gone on. I found even more that I had poked up there thinking I might want to try that some day. I chose a few to keep, but the majority of them are in the trash. You’d think we were prepared for Christmas morning with all the batteries I found.
BEFORE 
AFTER That one spot is in order, at least for a while....
I turn my mind purposely to what God might have for me today, I question myself about what it is that brings me a sense of being content.
A cabinet being rid of years of clutter? A full belly? (I've sure got that with all the baking I've done these past few days....as well as a wider waist and fuller hip!)
I remember the Apostle Paul writing to people about his having learned to be content. We repeat his familiar words often, "I can do all things thru Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13 NASB)
Before he wrote those words, he said "...I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need." (verses 11 and 12)
I am not a rich woman by most standards. Our home is very modest, my vehicle is nice, but not fancy and not new. I have worked all of my adult life. I've not had a tremendous amount of money, but always enough to buy what I wanted, within reason....even some luxuries. I haven't lived from paycheck to paycheck in a long time, but I appreciate what that is like.
Right now, the cash flow has pretty much stalled out, not just for me, but for thousands. What I spend this week will not be replaced next week. So I must learn how to be content in humble means rather than prosperity.
As I considered all this today, I found it interesting how content I am. It is early, this may last long enough to make me feel otherwise. But whatever lies ahead, I purpose to be content with it and know that I can indeed do all things, thru Him who gives me strength and peace that passes all understanding. (Phillipians 4:7 NIV)
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