I dearly love Pinterest. It is a great place for idea-hunting and dreaming. The creativity of many is on display in one convenient place – a place where I can spend hours.
But what if you live a life that is not pin-worthy?
That’s my life. Photos of my pantry or cabinet organization would make the viewer shudder, not squeal with delight.
My kids are mostly grown so we don’t do the cute artsy stuff we once did.
Even my cats are mostly geriatric and a lot less cute than frisky kittens.
My attempts at crafting are pretty pathetic. I have crocheted lopsided dishcloths and sewn misshapen quilts. Definitely not Pin-worthy!
Yet, I can enjoy looking at the beauty and aspirations of others because I am at peace.
I have what I have and I am what I am and I am grateful for this.
The Lord has taught me so many lessons about contentment over the years.
Mothers can kill so much joy in their lives by comparing themselves and their lives to others.
Someone always has a nicer house, smarter kids and better stuff than you have. Their curriculum is always perfectly planned and their kids are well behaved.
But can you be grateful for what you HAVE?
Many years ago, we lived in a tiny house. It had one bathroom, two small bedrooms, a combined living room and dining area, a galley kitchen, and a converted attached garage that served as a third bedroom. These were close quarters!
We moved there with two children. We then adopted two more. Four kids and two adults were jammed into this little house.
I prayed and fought with God. “Why would you bless us with these children, and then allow us to live in such cramped quarters?” I asked. He didn’t respond, leaving me to work out my issues of discontentment on my own.
I studied the Bible about contentment and joy. I sorted junk and rearranged things so it all fit. I came to a place of peace about our cramped life and indeed became grateful for the provision – a small house, a small mortgage, a manageable but cramped life. It was OK.
Then one day, one of the kids had to go to the bathroom desperately so we took a different route home to accomplish this. We passed a rambling, quirky house a few blocks away with a for-sale-by-owner sign. I made a mental note and got the child to the bathroom.
The house (although did I say it was quirky?) was perfect for us! With 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large finished room on the lower level, it was like it was made for us. Each kid could have their own room and we would have a separate area for homeschooling – complete with built-in bookshelves!
We’re still here. These rooms have been well used. We’ve had foster kids, lots of guests, and boomerang kids who we have been able to cheerfully accommodate.
When I ceased my whining and discontentedness, the Lord met my needs abundantly.
Where are you at this Thanksgiving? Are you grateful for what you have, or are you lost in jealous striving?
Look around your table this year, whether it’s a vast dining table or a folding card table, and count your blessings.
The Lord has blessed you with children.
You have the energy and the ability to homeschool them.
You maintain the freedom to instruct them in your faith.
You are doing life together.
Your life may not be Pin-worthy, but it’s blessed.
