While struggling to make ends meet over the past year or two… I’ve come to realize how often I forget to be thankful and count my blessings.
Although things have been stressful, and anxiety levels have reached maximum capacity… there is joy to be found in the simplicity of life that we tend to forget when times aren’t as tough.
I seem to have lost my way in these trying times … and it upsets me to think that the majority of the problem is due to lack of income.
How can there be a price-tag on my happiness? Why am I allowing myself to lose hope when the hubby and kids are healthy, we have a roof over our heads, and plenty of food and clothing?
Why does there have to be a terrible tragedy, like the one Haiti experienced, to remind us how fortunate we are? How come a health scare… or a relationship pushed to the absolute limits is what it takes for us to see what is right in front of our eyes — but we’re too blind and self-absorbed to even notice?
I like to think that I have a good grip on… and live in… reality. I know my kids make mistakes and get into trouble… I’m aware my marriage isn’t perfect (honey you can stop reading for a sec)… and that at least 50% of the issues are MY fault.
So why did I become so discouraged and depressed when reality hit me over the head? The economy changed… followed by our lifestyle… then my mood followed suit!
I can’t really say that I’m a glass half-full kinda girl… but I can usually see a silver lining in the dark clouds, or the rainbow during a terrible storm.
I’ve been lacking this type of attitude recently, and my health, as well as my family, have been taking a beating. The worst part is that when you step back and try to separate yourself from the situation, you begin to see things from a whole new perspective and wish you’d done it much sooner.
This is where I’m at now. I don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel (yet)… but I am seeing how the simpler things in life are pretty great once you stop viewing them from a selfish standpoint… we may not stop by Starbucks to grab a drink and a treat very often, but the time we spend together in the kitchen baking brownies and making milkshakes is absolutely priceless!
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
The little things are important, though they can only bring as much joy as we allow them to. The last few times I’ve driven down my street, I’ve noticed a gorgeous tree that has the most amazing cherry blossoms blooming.
Each time I pass by, I can’t help but smile at its sheer beauty… that’s when the truth hit me… simplicity brings such joy!
I’m now starting to see new beginnings all around me. As spring sits waiting just around the corner… so do many answered prayers and continued blessings.
What simple things might you be missing… or are you good at appreciating the little things that could actually be blessings in disguise?
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Perhaps that’s the message for all of us with the economic upheaval — focus on what’s important. Focus on the One who gives us all we need. Good post.
‘The little things are important, though they can only bring as much joy as we allow them to’.
I think that’s the key…I’ve had an emotional few months with our big move and lots of changes. We had the most spectacular fall-seriously I cannot ever remember a prettier one. And as I drove around our new town I felt like God had done that just for me. Painted every tree a bright yellow just to remind me that He’s there and He is most definitely in the details.
I like the verse that talks about taking every thought captive…I have had to work at that this year too.
After my husband and I both nearly died within a week of each other we were certain we’d always appreciate the “little things” and never take them for granted again. Yet how easy it is to get caught up in the cares of this world and allow them to eclipse our view.
We are better than we were about “mining for gold” in our daily lives. But still could always do some more treasure hunting.
Thank you for the reminder, Bridget.
Gee I am happy to know Spring is showing itself somewhere. It gives me hope. Bridget I had the same sort of revelation yesterday. It came to me that sometimes the answer to my prayers is to wait, and I need to wait with excellence. This is entirely doable especially in the, as you suggest, appreciating what we have department. I am normally good at appreciating little things, but I need better technique on bigger stuff.
When I stopped working, we went out to eat a lot less, especially Sunday breakfast. Until my mom got sick, Sunday Breakfast out after Church was a tradition. I tried to learn to make some of my husband’s favorite foods that he’d be missing. One of them was the apple pancake at a nearby restaurant. He ordered it at Sunday breakfast at least twice a month.
I’m sorry if that sounds like bragging, but you know, no money in the world could have bought me anything that would have felt as good as that compliment!
I didn’t make it for him often, but as a treat every now and then.
Now, when we do go out, Bob won’t order the Apple Pancake anymore. He says it isn’t worth it, because mine is so much better.
I miss our early married life in our little gingerbread house with 4 rooms of furniture that cost $400. We could clean the whole place in an hour, didn’t have accumulated stuff that drained energy. We enjoyed hiking and reading and just enjoying each other. Simplicity = freedom.
i agree with Glynn about the focus…or refocusing on the One…
great post to get me looking in the right direction.
Well, you know I’m anti-crap. Even so, I am surrounded by stuff. I’m constantly loading up my jeep and taking unused items to the local charity, and yet everything new is purchased because it is “needed”.
Stuff gets in the way of God. I truly believe it separates us from Him. And your kids will remember making brownies way more than trips to Starbucks.
I know what you’re talking about. Whenever my mood gets the best of me, my body responds accordingly. And it’s like a catch-22. It’s hard dealing with the pressure of finances, esp. as a family. I’ve faced very difficult financial burdens just a decade ago – when I was single, but caring for my mother and younger sister. It affected every aspect.
The best thing that happened to me was finding people that I could count on, to just be there for me, as I fell apart. For me, that was a time in my life that it needed to happen. But, I gained some lifelong friends, and a new lease on faith. I know I can survive — and have everything brought back to a place of healing. And so will you.