Empty Hangers
To the surprise of Sarah and me, we discovered that somehow our five-year old, Ross (a.k.a. Rosster the Bosster or Rossiford or simply Nut) has somehow amassed a collection of nine fashionable suit jackets. He enjoys wearing suits and we bought them for him, we just did not realize that he had that many. I admit that my suit collection well surpasses nine; however, I do work at a church and he attends pre-school. Ross himself was a bit surprised at our discovery and then quickly assured me he needed a few more. His reasoning for more suits? He still has empty hangers.
Some reading these words may recall days when closets were filled mostly with empty hangers and nice clothing was a luxury. Not these days. Even while living in the fear of recession, we pretty much eat what we want, go where we desire and enjoy manageable work weeks. Amazing really.
No time in the history of the world have the masses of a nation been as comfortable as we are today. But with extraordinary luxuries and provision there comes a common pitfall. As much as we know better, we still each fight with the truth that abundance of possessions does not, and will not ever in themselves, meet our deepest needs.
Contentment in life most assuredly comes from within, not from possessions. While we are indeed a society of extraordinary luxuries and abundance, we are not characteristically a society with an extraordinary amount of happiness or contentment. We are rather a society with over 7 million who take antidepressant medication with only 35-45 percent finding relief. I understand that depression is often physiological and can require medication, I am simply pointing out that abundance in life does not in itself ever provide abundance in joy. America is proof.
King David said, “Blessed is the man… who delights in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water which yields fruit in season” (NIV Psalm 1:1-3). You and I may have some empty hangers or have to eat a few Top Ramon noodles this week, but if you have Christ in your heart and own a Bible, then you are among the wealthiest and richest in the world in joy and contentment.
Let’s strive together to appreciate the many extraordinary luxuries and abundance that God has provided, and yet, find our happiness in Him alone. We can still fill all those empty hangers, but not for joy, but rather just for fun.
