Perspective on Possessions

        When our grandson Josiah was eight months old we visited him and his parents.  We ended up in a store to pick up a few items.  I’m really into this grandpa thing, so I roamed the toy aisles.  Impulsively, I bought Josiah a stuffed toy.  Once out of the store, I gave it to Josiah.  He promptly began sucking on one of its plastic hands.
        As far as I can tell, he didn’t have a clue that his grandma and I were the givers of the gift.  The day will come when he’ll say “Thanks, Grandpa” (at the prompting of his mother, if he follows the tradition of the billions of children who have gone before him).  Eventually he should mature to the point where he’ll be grateful on his own for a gift.  All in good time . . . .
        Josiah’s future development of how he views his possessions prompts me to reflect on how I view my possessions.  Do I enjoy them for what they are, or do I take it to a mature level and enjoy them as gifts from God?
        I have used a camera case for years, and have enjoyed its usefulness.  But I have enjoyed it far more than most would suspect when they see me carry it.  My college roommate, Cal, gave it to me.  It was his, but he thought I’d get more use out of it with my greater interest in photography.  Cal’s generosity is what I’ve really enjoyed when I sling the camera case over my shoulder.
        We own cars, houses, camcorders, clothes, lawn mowers, and more.  These possessions have a value beyond their worth when we remember that God’s generosity is behind each one.
        “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, . . .”  James 1:17

My Photo of the Week

My version of Footprints in the Sand