Receiving gifts

We were given a beautiful cupboard about two weeks ago, and that set me to thinking about everything we have been given since we came to Finland.

• A lounge suite and chair
• Diningroom chairs
• A full set of crockery
• Cutlery and kitchen utensils
• Pots and pans
• Linen, duvets, pillows, blankets
• A bed and mattresses
• A baby cot
• A chest of drawers
• Bedside tables
• A desk and bookshelf
• Plants
• A freezer
• A washing machine
• A clothes drying rack
• A microwave, snackwich machine, kettle, blender
• Toys for Annabel
• All Annabel's clothes (I think we have bought maybe a handful of items), including most of her expensive winter clothes
• All Annabel's shoes
• A pram
• A computer, wireless modem, wireless mouse and keyboard
• A set of cross-country skis
• 2 bicycles, one of which is the nicest bikes we've ever had

We are completely blown away by the generosity of the people around us, but also recognise that God is using them to provide for us. This raises an interesting question - why would God give so abundantly to us when we come from two very rich families (compared to most of the world)? I have no deep philosophical answer to this, except that He promises that if we put His kingdom first he will provide for all our needs (Matt 6:24-34), and this promise is valid for all people, rich and poor, in wealthy countries and in poor ones.

Annabel has something to add to this:

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//bOoOZOPoLZoPo；/K y'/;'

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