what to do with envy

farm life.

cottage home.

apple trees.

cows.

windmills.

tractors.

white front porches.

grass.

schedules and routines.

wisdom.

bookshelves.

order.

excellence.

I am seriously envious.  And these are what's on top of my envy list.

But I stop and not let them take root in my heart.

I won't let them grow into wistfulness and covetousness and bitterness.

I sift through the list, and ask for the things that God could grow in me.

I plant them in the soil of contentment, water them with perseverance,

 and let them soak in the light of God's word, which promises

        wisdom without finding fault

        everything that is necessary for living the truly good life

        and everlasting arms underneath.

Yes, I will be content.

"Wherever you are, be all there.  Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God."

                                                                                             - Jim Elliot