Have you ever watched The Pursuit of Happiness? It's a good movie; good because it is based on a true story and makes you uncomfortable enough to think. In it, Will Smith plays a man who has tried to support himself and his family, but just can't make it. He finds that he could apply for an exclusive stockbroker-training internship. Against all odds, he wins the internship but finds he will have to survive without a salary for six months. He and his small son end up on the streets, doing anything they can to get by, but holding on to their dignity and their desire to better their lives.

I am very excited because I think I've saved enough money to get a computer. Sometimes I save money on grocery bills by skipping the chocolate soy milk that tastes so good after a long run.

Meanwhile, today I learned of a family living in my "suburb" of Zuni who have no working lightbulbs in their house and no money to buy any. Not only this, but they have had no wood to warm their house all winter. Although we live in the Southwest, I am currently in my nicely heated trailer wearing socks and a hoody and still feeling cold. I can't imagine shivering through the sub-freezing nights with nothing to warm the house. The pastor is working with them now, trying to help them through the winter and letting them know that there are people (and a God) who care about them.

And I realized how much I have to be thankful for.
"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." (I Timothy 6:17-19)