After an extremely busy Saturday, Marcus and I decided that we would stay home and worship online with Northland. This isn't the usual for us, but we all needed rest and I am so glad we were able to livestream the service and connect it to the good ol' telly.
Northland just started a series on cravings and the message we listened to yesterday was the second week on shopping. It was so intriguing! In all the years I've gone to church, I don't think I've ever heard a sermon on shopping.
You may think, shopping? Really? But seriously, it was so good. After listening to the sermon, I went online after Bethany was in bed and listened to part one, too.
I definitely feel like I struggle with wanting to give my child everything. I want to give her everything and she doesn’t even know it yet! Hopefully, I will get it in check before she is old enough to figure it out. Haha. I talked about it at our small group a few weeks ago and was reassured that wanting to give your child the world is an issue for all parents, but I feel like it goes a little bit deeper than that.
You see, my grandmother was an excellent gift-giver and enjoyed giving, especially to her grandkids. Don't misunderstand what I'm typing; she did not buy my love. We did plenty together that did not involve anything material and when it did come to shopping, she was sensible and very choosey about what we were and were not allowed to have, so we weren't (completely) spoiled. Haha.
Anyway, the point is, sometimes I associate gift giving with trying to somehow recapture memories of my grandmother. I want to give because it brings her back in a way that is tangible and because her generosity is a quality that I want to emulate.
The thing that got me the most in the sermon, though, is simply remembering my motives when it comes to spending. Why do I want certain things? Do we need them? Is it a wise choice? How do these things affect my thoughts?
Thankfully, I don't feel out of control when it comes to shopping. I'm definitely a girl who loves a good discount, but just because something is 50% off doesn't mean that it is necessary. I just need to remember that my daughter does not need half of the things I think that she needs!
It is reassuring to remember that all cravings serve a purpose and that as long as they're in check and do not consume us - they are meant to be enjoyed.
Remembering first and foremost, that the source of true, sustaining, and everlasting joy is found in Him, is what keeps our hearts right where they are supposed to be.
If you want to listen to the sermon, you can do so here. It begins at 20:39. I'll be sure to list part two when it is uploaded because I found that one even more helpful than the first one.
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