Since this is December, my guess is that you are reading this while sitting inside, comfortably cuddled up in a chair, perhaps sipping on a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. Do me a favor and look up. What do you see? The ceiling. But, what’s above that? The attic and rafters. Look farther and what do you see? The roof! It took us a moment to get there but today is National Roof Over Your Head Day.
The origins of the celebration cannot be traced but the concept is simple. This is a day to be thankful for what we have.
In 2007, the Easter Brothers released a song called Thank You, Lord, For Your Blessings On Me. Think about the lyrics.
While the world looks upon me as I struggle alone
They say I have nothing, but they are so wrong
In my heart, I’m rejoicing, how I wish they could see
Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me
There’s a roof up above me
I’ve a good place to sleep
There’s food on my table, and shoes on my feet
You gave me your love, Lord, and a fine family
Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me
Lord, I know I’m not wealthy, and these clothes, they’re not new
I don’t have much money, but Lord I have you
And that’s all that matters, though the world may not see
Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me
There’s a roof up above me
I’ve a good place to sleep
There’s food on my table, and shoes on my feet
You gave me your love, Lord, and a fine family
Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me
Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me
We are coming into a season that has become a celebration of greed, materialism, and
dissatisfaction with what we have. Many want a fictional fat guy in a red suit to materialize and fulfil their deepest wish. Lists will be made by children to present to this non-existent fantasy in hopes of adding the latest gadgets and gizmos to their already cluttered bedrooms and toy rooms.
Imagine a world of contentment where we never say, “I wish I had ______” or “I want _______.” Instead, we just declared, “I am so blessed!” This doesn’t have to be a utopic thought. It can actually be a reality for the Christian if we would simply practice gratitude with contentment and allow certain passages of Scripture to govern our lives.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
To the church in Philippi, Paul wrote Philippians 4:11. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
Contentment really comes flooding into our hearts when we recognize what we do have. Give this some thought throughout your day. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)
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