There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven Eccl 3:1
I went to lunch today with my MIL, SIL and her two boys. My SIL are very different, yet very similar. We both like to run, like to shop at the same places, have similar taste in decorating, etc (I guess that is why we are married to brothers). Anyway, there are times when I am extremely jealous of her, and at the same time, I feel sorry for her. I feel sorry for her because it seems like she is empty, like the hole in her heart that can only be filled by Jesus is filled with other things. Sorry because her marriage does not seem as full as mine is. Sorry because she is constantly competing, constantly perfecting, and constantly trying to fit in. I am jealous because she has a great body, she has money to go shopping and stuff looks good on her (see first item), jealous because they go on nice vacations...
Today God brought a simple phrase to my head when these thoughts of jealousy came flooding in, there is a time for everything. I started thinking about how true this is. I remember there was a time before we had kids and when we were both in public accounting, making a lot of money, that we could and did all of those things. There was a time before we had kids, that my body was almost in the shape I wanted it to be in. There was a time when we could spend money frivolously without really worrying about it. But now is not that time. Her kids are 9 and 7, so obviously she has lost the baby weight. She used to be a stay at home mom and they were probably living off about what we are now. Now she is back to teaching, her husband just made partner in a public accounting firm, and they can afford to do those things. I know that there will come a time where money is not so tight and my health goals are maintaining, not losing. When she was talking about some of the things she has to do, like get up at 4:30 am to run before she has to be at school, etc., it made me very thankful. I get up around 6 and still am able to work out, do my Bible Study, do some laundry, spend time with my kids and then go to work. I know that my muffin top belly will not be here forever, unless I chose for it too. I know that some day we will be able to go on vacations. I know that someday I will be looking back on these times and remembering all of the good memories that were made because we spent time as a family because that is the only entertainment we could afford. I know that I will be more full because I will have those earthly things, but I will also have stored up numerous treasures in heaven!
I know that God has a plan for our lives and I know He knows me so well that He knows sometimes I need to be forced to not go all of the time!
Thank you God for helping me realize this! This is one of the first times that I have spent time with her and come away feeling better, rather than worse!
3 comments:
LOVE the new look!!! The picts are adorable of the kids and you all!
Contentment is def a struggle...growing up in a "have anything you want when you want it" family to being on one income has been a real challenge, more mentally than "materially"! I'm not a shopaholic, so that's good! I'm def more on the "saving" side of the spectrum, as evidence by my new obsession with spending less than $3 in any store except Kroger! I got a $14 off $140 coupon in the mail from Kroger, and I am trying to figure out how I will spend that much...I'm now used to only spending $60-70 a week! Guess I'll have to make a month long menu plan and buy it all at once! I (and hubby too) can't thank you enough for introducing me to the GG. It's a great channel for my saving energy...now to keep it in a healthy balance! I'm trying!
I know, it is adicting to be saving that much money! I am not a big shopper either, but like you said, it is mental, knowing you can't, that is hard and makes you want it more! At least for me it does.
I too feel like I am finally at a place where I can have good perspective on what others have and what I have. I feel so happy with where we are right now and the big huge arms of God I feel protecting our family and helping us grow. It is a nice feeling.
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