From last week’s post… with an updates since the first miner was rescued last night.

I have a rule for myself and my family.  It’s #3 of several.  It is… NO WHINING!

Do you remember what happened a few months ago on August 5th?  That was the day a mine collapsed on some miners in Chile.  Since that day 33 men have been trapped underground.  2,047 feet below ground.  Thirty-three men… 2,047 feet below ground… for over 2 months!  Can you say claustrophobia boys and girls?  As this is being written (Friday 10/8/10), the men will most probably be freed tomorrow (Saturday, 10/9/10).  Click hereUPDATE: The picture to right is what the miner’s saw as they came out of the hole drilled to rescue them.  Their first view of the sky in 69 days…

What have we complained or fussed about since August 5, 2010?  Whatever it is, I guarantee you any one of those men would gladly trade places with us… and so would their families.  Remember, we’re all blessed!  Did your toilet flush… light come on when you flipped the switch… car start when you turned the key?  Did you feel the warmth of the sun… breathe fresh air… talk on a phone… go home after work… sleep in a bed… (How far do you want me to go?).

Consider a few passages of Scripture…

Philippians 4:11 I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

1 Timothy 6:8 If we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

Habakkukk 3:17 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. 19 GOD, the Lord, is my strength; He makes my feet like the deer’s; He makes me tread on my high places.

We need to evaluate carefully what we HAVE to have in order to be content.  We need to consider seriously what we NEED in order to be joyful and worship God.  Well, according to Paul it is food and clothing and nothing else.  Wow!  Are you there?  I’m not… and want to be.  God help me…

UPDATE: Last night they began rescuing the miners.  I’m sure you wept as I did watching the drama play out.  I couldn’t help but be drawn to the view of heaven when each Christian finally makes it home as God rejoices (Click here).