{ DAY 403 }

“It’s a thief, it’s a thief, it’s a thief!” And just like any thief it comes to steal.  All too often it also comes in disguise.  It comes unexpectedly.  Right when you think your security system is A okay and doesn’t need to be checked one more time.  For a moment yesterday I let the thief walk in and take something from me.  While we may not know the name of the latest neighborhood robber I believe we have all come in contact with this one.  His name is Discontentment.  Oh he is stealthy and he comes creeping in through the window of comparison.  If only I could see more than just that window.  That picture that looks so perfect and sparkly.  As if the people in the house next door even hired professional staggers to fix the view for that moment when you would glance in.  I saw Discontentment walk right into my life and leave muddy footprints around on the carpet but thankfully he left his tell tell fingerprints too.  He grabbed my joy and contentment and started slinking for the door.  But he had given himself away with the signs of his presence and I knew he was there.  I wasn’t about to let him leave with what I knew I could take back.  Yes, he looked strong at that moment but I wasn’t alone and two are surely better than one to take this guy on.  Especially when you have prayer on your side and a healthy weapon of remembrance in who God is.  We can’t always stop Discontentment from trying to break in but we sure don’t have to let him get in! We need a good security system.  A fool proof one.  I’ve heard and experienced that gratefulness is a pretty amazing one.  Even if he does manage to squeeze through a crack in the floor we don’t have to let him stay.  Vigilance is needed.  I thought I was safe yesterday but I was much more vulnerable than I had wanted to believe.  We can listen to the lie that says we don’t have enough or we can choose to tell that lie to get a move on!  Gratefulness, prayer, and worship to the One who is enough, Jesus, will quickly have me secure from any thief named Discontent.  Ann Voskamp says it so well, “It’s either take captive every thought or be taken captive. When you realize life is war, you make prayer a shield and Christ your general and the victory is found in grace.”

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

Both pictures of me were captured by my dear friend Paige while in Santa Barbara, CA last week.  She took me to this beautiful spot and I was instantly taken with the loveliness of the day and the Santa Barbara Mission.  We were on a mission to take pictures but we also hope that you will consider blessing children in India today by donating.  Also if you haven’t seen this then will you please take one minute to watch it?  Thanks everyone!