Eighteen months ago we moved into a new home that didn’t have a microwave. This small and relatively inexpensive appliance is something we’ve historically found convenience in using on a daily basis: Warm chips and cheese are a family favorite, re-heating coffee is so easy, and we love warming up vegetables for a quick and healthy snack.
Initially we said we’d buy a microwave but we held off thinking maybe we didn’t need one right away. Over time, the microwave topic manifested into conversation about wants and needs and became a great lesson for us. There were similar wants/needs in the home that we also put on hold because we really started to question our motives and mindset.
In short, living without this convenience has helped shape our thoughts from “want” to “letting go”. As a family from a developed nation, we’re accustomed to so many things that we either think we deserve or often take for granted.
I wrote the following as I thought about wants/needs, being grateful for what we have, our attitude, eternity and the cross with Jesus as our advocate (today’s theme).
Earthly things. When will the wanting cease?
Blessings. Rescue. Mercy. Answered prayers. Am I grateful?
Flowers blooming, works of art abound. People starving. Ignorance is bliss.
Daily battles, eternity at stake.
Separation is deserved, but one name brings mercy and grace.
Jesus, our advocate.
Today’s verses:
Even now my witness is in heaven;
my advocate is on high. (Job 16:19)My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. (1 John 2:1)