The day finally came when the children had all flown the coop. I looked around and saw a house more than 30 years old that had not seen much updating beyond paint. I set off on a quest to not only update the house, but turn it into the haven to live out my days in.
At last the only thing unchanged was the kitchen---a HUGE project. I consulted the experts and came up with a plan. When I shared my vision, I will never forget the following statement--AND WILL THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY? I was so focused on completing the project-and convinced this was the next right step--that I ignored the obvious.
OH--how I loved that new kitchen! It had it all---including a butler's pantry. It was an absolute joy to cook and work in.
Within weeks of finishing the complete house remodel, my marriage suffered a blow from which it never recovered. And the house I had worked long hours perfecting was passed on to another.
This is NOT a story about marriage--this is a story of our continual quest for the next thing--the next change--the next remodel--whatever your next is to complete the picture---make you happy---satisfy the longing to fulfill your needs.
I was so busy climbing the ladder to the perfect house, that I failed to notice my legs were being chopped off an inch at a time.
I was whirling around in a circle trying to grab the brass ring--when I already had the gold ring.
And so, I have learned to be content with what I have--where I am--and who I am. Forget all the other--for it truly can be stripped away in the blink of an eye. "If I've struck gold, why go in search of brass?" There is no need to look beyond what I have today--the true gold in my life---my deep relationship with My Father.
11 And I am not saying this because I feel neglected, for I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. 12 I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. 13 I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
Philippians 4:11-13
This is a very wise post, Lulu. It is human nature always to want more, rather than be satisfied with what we've got.
ReplyDeleteYears ago we had a walk-in shower. It was a door you walked through and found yourself in the garden when it rained. The neighbour's enjoyed it too.
God bless.
Yes, Victor, we tend to never be satisfied!
DeleteBlessings, Friend!
I want to thank you for always being truthful in your posts...thank you Lulu. And Victor is so right, it is human nature to always want more...have a beautiful day, friend.
ReplyDeleteMy prayer is always someone will learn from my experiences!
DeleteBlessings, Friend!
A beautiful post today!! We are all on that merry-go-round of striving and searching for things that make us happy or our kids happy. When all we had to do was get off the merry-go-round and see our only happiness is in our relationship with Jesus. If only I could have a "redo". Thank you for your wisdom today. Blessings to you!!
ReplyDeleteThere are no redo's in life---but there is always today. Make the most of today--let tomorrow worry about itself and leave the past in the past.
DeleteBlessings!
Wow. I love that line that your legs were being chopped off an inch at a time (as you were reaching higher). Reminds me to remember to stay centred on Who keeps me rooted. Thank you. And love that verse you chose!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lynn, but I cannot take credit. A dear friend gave me that line over and over during a difficult time in my life, but has such truth in it.
DeleteBlessings To You!
This reminds me of the LORD's Word where He says, "... my grace is sufficient for you." [2 Corinthians 12:9] That's something I have to remind myself of frequently here lately. Another amazing post, although, I am deeply grieved that life through you a gut punch. I pray that the pain lessens every day and you can see only the brightness ahead.
ReplyDeleteHope your day is blessed. ~:)
*threw* not *through* ... sometimes the blonde goes all the way to the roots. *giggle* ~:)
DeleteYes, HE is all we truly need! The sucker punch came a few years ago, and I am slowly but surely recovering, Sparky. I thank you for your kind words! Also glad to know I am not the only one whose brain gets ahead of their fingers! How MANY times have I had to edit a post after the fact!
DeleteBlessings, Friend!
What wisdom you have shared.
ReplyDeleteI feel humbled and blessed to have clicked through to your blog this evening.
I am also a Texas blogger (South Texas), so it is a delight to meet you.
You have offered us so much more here than the usual.
Thank you for that,
Laura
White Spray Paint blog
Well now, Laura, I clicked to your blog and loved your posts about those little things I love--cooking & gardening. I moved to TX 3 years ago from North LA, and have had a steep learning curve coming from small town life to the big city! I would bet my last dime, we could strike up a conversation and feel like we had known each other for a long time! At any rate, thanks for visiting and your kind words. Hope we can continue our cyberspace friendship---after all--we ARE fellow Texans!
DeleteBlessings!