What do you want?

I often get two words confused in my mind: need and want.  Their definitions are so very different and it shouldn't be difficult to distinguish between the two, but I am so very human.  They frequently seem to be the same thing to me.  Sometimes, I'm like a little kid in the toy aisle at the store.  Lots of things that I want and those wants morphs into needs.  Ever heard a child say, "But I neeeeeeeed it!"  Yeah, that's me.

We have 2 children now, and that means that we don't have a guest room anymore.  You know, we really need a bigger house.  Wrong.  We don't have an entire room dedicated to toys for our children.  In general, they don't have tons of stuff.  Will there be enough to make everyone happy when a friend comes to play?  We need more toys.  Wrong.  I'm a little tired of the wardrobe I have.  I'm finally not pregnant and I'd like some cute (machine washable) clothes for this fall and winter.  I need more clothes.  Wrong.  Am I alone in this?  Or do you get it?

My God will supply all my needs, according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  Phil. 4:19 (NASB)

My needs.  Not my wants.  My needs.  And He does.  Without fail.  Don't believe me?  Here are a few ways that I have been completely humbled in the past 2 months.

• Applied for financial aid after Baby #2 was born.  Lots of money forked over for bills before he was born. Another $12,000 due to the hospital after his birth.  Precious lady on the phone says, "You've been approved for 100% of your bill."  God knew what we needed at. that. time. And He made it possible.
• Baby # 2 also means that we have physically run out of room in our car.  Some baby things are for fun.  Many of the accoutrements are vital and there simply was not room!  We purchased a car yesterday afternoon at a ridiculously awesome price.  Did our savings account take a hit?  Sure.  But God knew what we needed at. that. time.  And He made it possible.  
• Those are all big ticket items.  Would you believe me if I told you that they weren't my most treasured provision?  Oh trust me, I am eternally grateful for those things.  But the provision that is dearest to my heart came in an envelope one day.  In a greeting card.  I was so excited to see who had sent us a card!  I love cards.  Love, love, love them.  Well, I mostly love the sweet notes that are typically inside of them.  But, I digress.  I tore open this particular card and read the outside, "Time for a 'God loves you' break in your day."  I sure do like those breaks, so I opened it quickly to keep reading.  "You're loved, valued, honored, and special- today and always."  No signature.  A gift card to a nearby grocery store (the one I frequent, actually).  Enough to cover one week's worth of groceries.  (Plus a cup of coffee if I can work my coupons just right).  I am humbled and we are blessed.  God placed our little family on someone's heart.  And they listened to Him.  Thank you for being used by God, dear anonymous friend.  God knew what we needed at. that. time.  And He made it possible.

Do you confuse needs and wants in your life, too?  How has God provided for you and your family (not necessarily financially)?

http://jonandmollie.blogspot.com