Those who are rich

Do you ever think of yourself as rich? If you are like most Australians, I doubt it. We have grown to think of the rich as those who have million dollar houses, boats, and a couple of European cars sitting in the driveway.

The Bible encourages us to think differently. My McArthur Study Bible defines "rich" as those who have more than they need to live upon. If you are reading this on a computer right now, chances are that you are rich according to this definition. What do we need in order to live? Basic food, a few pieces of clothing, and shelter. So 1 Timothy 6:17 - 19 applies to us:

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.

In the second week of our recent trip to South Africa, I felt an immense conflict in myself about how rich I was and how little I did in this world. I was so obviously rich in a place where many are obviously poor, and it seemed like the only people I ever talked with were equally rich . . . what did this mean for who I was and my place in the world?

Then God comforted me. He reminded me that God had given me these "things" that make me rich. He had given us the money to not only own a car but also hire one, to not only own a home in Tasmania but also hire lovely places to stay in South Africa. Yes, this was luxury. Yes, God had given it. Given it to enjoy, not to feel guilty about.

I don't understand why there is so much inequality in this world. The Bible says that God decides who will be rich and poor (see 1 Samuel 2). I don't understand why he doesn't even things out more! However, it is not my job to question God. It is my job to be grateful and obey. That means being ready and willing to give, and actively pursuing a lifestyle of good works. This is basic to my place in the world as one of those who are rich.

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Precious days with Gramps and Gran

  Apologies for the bizarre picture formatting - I'm still getting the hang of blogger's new features!

Gran plays the piano beautifully and Elnathan enjoyed listening.












Gran and Gramps were delighted to spend some time with their precious first grandson.

We were sorry to have to fly away, knowing that they would not see Natey for a long time. However, we were also very grateful to have had the opportunity to introduce him to them.

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Our second wedding anniversary

We spent our second wedding anniversary in South Africa, as we did our first! We enjoyed a lovely lunch with Dave's parents Will and Di, and then headed into Durban to spend the evening with our friend Sue. Sue traveled all the way from South Africa to attend our wedding in 2007. How wonderful it was to have a little baby to celebrate with this year! We still look at him sometimes and marvel that he is real! It is a precious thing to love one another, and for that love to result in a little person who is a delight to us both.

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Natey! Look at the animals!

We were blessed to spend a week at Kruger National Park while in South Africa.



These photos were taken at Letaba camp during our drive out of Kruger Park. The park is large and it takes hours just to drive out of it from Olifants camp where we stayed.


"Mum, is that a bushbuck?"

Elnathan was a good traveller during our game drives, but seemed just as interested in his hands as in the animals! We would be like "look Natey, a water buck!" and he would coo and put his hand in front of his face. Of course, he'd only just discovered his hands existed so it is understandable that he didn't realise they were of less interest than elephants.

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