I have an obsession with looking for places to live that are bigger and better than my current abode. These "new" houses, apartments, whatever, have a garage, a backyard, a washer and dryer inside the house, a dishwasher and at least a wall unit AC. I don't live on the second floor and there are overhead lights in all the rooms. I have enough floor space for a Christmas tree or more simply, an end table. Yes, my place is bigger than 750 sq ft.
But, God has been working on my heart, gently reminding me to love what I have. My family is healthy, my children are beautiful, my husband loves his job. My husband has a job. I can walk to the park safely, and by myself. I can push my double stroller to the store and restaurants, theater, coffee. I could go days without driving my car, and honestly that's how I like it. I have a neighbor downstairs who shares a similar life and having her steps away has often broken the monotony that a stay-at-home mom's life can quickly become. And she understands that monotony. We started a Bible club with the neighbor kids. I guess my "new" place doesn't come with a Bible club.
My apartment is easy to clean, is cozy and I can see what everyone is doing in every room simultaneously (okay, that's an exaggeration, but you get the idea). I can vacuum the entire house, though, without changing outlets. My point is, God is opening my eyes to what has been loitering in front of me, to what he has graciously provided me with. Who am I to want more, just to make my life more comfortable? Life isn't even about being comfortable, but about humbly living and understanding that we serve a God who gives and a God who just as easily takes away. Besides, how awesome is it, that I can sit on my computer in my living room, and examine the entire contents of my bedroom closet without getting up from my computer chair?
Jesus was born in a manger, friends.
