In Junior College I met a Christian fellow whose last name was Ford (his first name escapes me). His was a bright and cheery faith, the kind that was constantly speaking of God’s latest blessings.
One day, after class, Ford invited me over for lunch. He lived in a run-down, old duplex-type building.
Entering the “house” my attention was immediately seized by the dangling spider webs located on the ceiling, as well as the myriad chips and cracks on the plaster ceiling and walls! I took a seat on the couch — and immediately felt a spring jabbing me in my posterior.
As I sat and talked with Ford for a while, we noticed something we both had in common: hunger! So, he went into the kitchen, called me to join him, and we began to fix lunch: Jack cheese on white bread (that’s all he had)!
Upon finishing our “meal” we headed back into the living room and I looked around for something to compliment him on. As we sat on the couch, I noticed it had what looked like a newly made blanket-type cover over part of it, so I said, “Gee, what a nice cover.” He looked at me and said, “Yep, the blessings just keep rollin’ in!”
Ford had no car (he rode a one-speed bicycle); he wore nerdy clothes (usually a blue sweater and light green pants, topping off the “ensemble” with Buddy Holly-type glasses!); he had little food; he lived in a shack — yet he was rich in Christ and he knew it. Ford, like the apostle Paul, had learned to be content in all things (Philippians 4:11-13).
What an example — and challenge for us! Thank You Jesus for the “Fords” you send our way as a reminder that we’re only visiting this planet; as a reminder that true contentment is found only in Christ.