//when buying milk made me cry

We go through lots of milk in this house. Like 5 gallons a week. We should have a cow in our backyard! If I go into the store for anything, I automatically grab a gallon because I know we'll need it soon. A few weeks ago, I ran into Target to get a few things (yeah, right. Who actually goes into Target and only buys a few things? Bad Target, bad.) I went to the dairy department and was thinking about my kids and how they love their milk. The three older ones drink one glass at breakfast, as do I.  I reached in the icy-cold refrigerator to grab a fresh gallon and immediately teared up. "What is this?" I thought. Postpartum hormones? I hoped no one saw the crazy lady brushing away tears doing something as simple as buying milk.  I am sure the hormones played a role, but mostly God was impressing on my heart the many, many kids in this world of ours that don't get a new gallon of milk each time one runs out. Some kids never get milk, or bread, or clean water for that matter. Millions of children certainly don't sleep in a cozy bed at night and have access to books and technology and stability. 

Sometimes I pride myself that we "only" have two TVs in the house and my kids don't have any type of gaming system. But really, is comparing myself to others really the standard? My kids have never gone to bed hungry and certainly have an overabundance of clothes, and I do as well. I am supposed to give and love and serve according to what God leads me to do, not just what I feel is one step below the American dream. {See the above reference to Target.}  I go in and covet- and yes, often buy- things I don't need. God is really placing a burden on my heart this year to really consider needs versus wants. And to instill this into my children's hearts.  It is oh-so-hard, right? But slowly but surely, God can work a change in me.  And hopefully, I won't take for granted buying milk ever again.
Linking up: Covered in Grace A Royal Daughter Mercy Ink Worthy of the Prize