There has been a lot of talk about what is important around our house these last few months. Is it important? Is this what is best for you? Me? The family? What are we instilling in our children? Does that REALLY matter? I get at least 3-4 of those hand picked presents each day. Now that little man is getting big and helping around the garden I even get a handful of muddy rocks or scraggly weeds too. Most parents get these gifts from their children and I realize that it isn't an abnormal or exceptional behavior on my child's part. What I do realize is that in my child's mind each wild flower, every clover and all that buds is an exceptional gift to me from them. And my reaction should (but admittedly isn't) ALWAYS be exceptionally filled with love and gratitude. They thought of me, picked it, sought me out and found me with a large smile on their face and an "I picked this just for you." Just. For. Me. Then there are moments like this that impact my heart so much that I must take a photo of it to remember it. My husband loves me. Deeply, truly and passionately. There have been good days, amazing days and really crappy days between us, but it always comes back to the fact that was stated above: He loves me and I love him. When you have a love that is not dependent upon the things that surround you it will outlast you and your relationship. We could be homeless living under a bridge and I would still love this man and he would still love me. Love like that defies logic and overcomes all obstacles and we have been blessed enough to experience it. No, this isn't a brag on us post although I can only write about what I know. These are the things that matter to me: Love. Family. Laughter. Joy. Togetherness. I've mentioned before about this weird path we are walking; That God has us going down a path we've never been down before. Some of you know our story, some don't. We are living on little income these days. This is by no means a "pity us" post. We don't want your pity. We are HAPPY. For the first time in our lives we are walking in what we know without a doubt is God's will for our family. He asked us to do something and we did it. We live on faith these days and when you live on faith your faith is grown daily by watching what God can do. We don't want you feeling sorry for us, we want you rejoicing with us because God is doing great things in us.
So, yes, we have little income but so what? We have more now than we ever have. Here is what I've learned so far. You don't need a fancy house or car. You need a home and a home is built with love--the bigness or grandness should never matter. Kids don't need i-pads, i phones or i pods. They need in-tune parents willing to talk to them and laugh with them and love them. "Things" in life are luxuries and often luxuries get in the way of what really matters. At least they get in the way of what really matters to me. Happiness is not contingent upon stuff. A new house, a new car, amazingly stylish clothing...none of these contain happiness. What brings about happiness is being content with what you have. Does it really matter that you don't have the latest and greatest thing that is weighing on your mind? If it does, then how do you figure that will make you happy? It will be outdated in a few short months and then what? The same can be said for love. If your love is dependent on how the other person acts, how they look, or what they materialistically provide for you, then do you truly have love? The little moments are the ones that count. Those small seemingly insignificant moments hold the most weight. The wilted wildflower bouquet or the handwritten love notes-and your response to them-are moments that can last a lifetime. The best thing you can invest into your kids or spouse is time well spent. Time where you are truly focused on them, learning them and loving them. For me, giving my child a gadget to engage them is not an option. I want to engage them. I'm not saying we don't have any gadgets...I'm typing on a laptop for goodness sake! My husband is watching tv and our kids love the wii occasionally, but honestly that is the extent of it. Most days are spent outside working and laughing together. This hasn't always been the scenario around here, but so far this is my favorite one. If you take anything away from this post then take this: the greatest investment you can make is in someone close to you. Your child/children, your spouse. Figure out what is truly important and try to eliminate something that is getting in the way of that. I challenge you to get rid of something unimportant to make room for something more important. Grow your relationships. Love unconditionally.
2 Comments
Michelle
4/26/2013 03:44:00 am
It is sweet. Most people think we should be falling apart right now but we aren't. The peace that comes with walking in obedience surpasses all understanding, just like the Word says. I wake up every day knowing that we are going to be just fine because we are in the capable hands of God. Thanks for checking in! Love you!
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AuthorsThoughts and ideas inspired by the Holy Spirit, delivered to you courtesy of Chris or Michelle Cooper. We hope you enjoy our posts and would love to hear your feedback! Archives
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