Greener

 “Wealth and honor come from You; You are the ruler of all things. In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.”  1 Chronicles 29:12

Early in my career I was the personal assistant to some rich and famous people. I learned first-hand how absent their lives were without God and how they were some of the most discontented people I had ever met. They could buy anything the world had to offer, yet it still did not buy their happiness. If you have ever seen the comedy film called The Devil Wears Prada, I was like the assistant who did not fit in and stumbled through most of my days working for this company. A good number of times I would end up in tears over things I had no control over, not fitting in to this high society world and feeling so outclassed about who I was as a person.

Of course, at first I was dazzled by all the shiny things the wealth brought my bosses and how extravagant their homes were and the exotic places they would travel in personal jets and limos. I was even given a designer wardrobe of clothes to wear while working to “look the part” and blend in with my co-workers, clients and the company image. I was a fairly new Christian at this time and I was searching to fit into this new world as a believer with my modest life as a new bride, struggling to make ends meet.

As I look back now, I can see God’s hand protecting me all along. God desired more for this young girl who was still “green behind the ears” as my boss would often refer to me—meaning immature or new at something—trying instead to keep my heart humble and to follow him. God had bigger plans for me and greater riches waiting for me in my relationship with Him. I know it was God in my heart whose voice was louder than the world I was living in every day at my job and HE had called me to something greater. “Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him” (James 2:5)?

I’m thankful for that time in my life that taught me some of the most valuable life lessons of all: That life is not always greener on the other side, and to know without doubt where my true hope and wealth lie—as the daughter of the Most High King. I am rich in love, and full of grace.

Thank You, Lord, for protecting me each day of my life, and for allowing situations to mold me and shape me into the woman I am in You today! Amen!