Silly me. We actually have an IKEA here in Orlando. And I always forget about how they have everything dirt cheap! I would not feel particularly thrilled about purchasing our family sofa [the place where we do a lot of sleeping, relaxing, and just plain living] there, but pretty much everything else is a go. More than anything, though, it's an excellent place for ideas.
I fell in love with a little girl's room - a little big girl's room - that is. We found some things that Josh would like to make for us. One day. When we have a house to put them in. I found some really great paint colors. Some cheap-o curtains, candles, and vases. I HAVE to remember IKEA!
And I worked on my "being content in all circumstances" skills because it's really hard to dream when your dreams seem so far off. To tell you the truth, assuming that we continue in our current circumstances, buying a house isn't a possibility for us for about another 3 years. And that's hard for me sometimes. Real hard. Because although I am not looking for a big, perfect, fancy house - I would like a house. With a yard. Where my kids can play and we can eat outside as a family and Josh can make us fun furniture that I will proudly display. But that's not where God has us right now. In fact, that may not be where God ever has us. And that's okay. Because I have a hard-working husband who takes good care of us and is completely supportive of me staying home with our kiddos. I have a precious baby girl who, although she can make me very tired, is more fun than I ever could have imagined. And I have a clean, roach-free place to live [this is a rather large blessing in and of itself].
I hate that I have to work so hard at being content when I have so much. Really, really hate it. It's a MAJOR character flaw that I have to hand back over to the Holy Spirit every minute of every day. And after about 30 seconds, I take it back again and roll around in the discontentment. Then I give it back. And then I take it back again and roll around some more. You see the problem.
Today, though, today I dreamed in IKEA. And the dreaming was fun.
Keep on keepin' it down and dirty. Love ya'll like crazy!
One of my dreams is GOING to an Ikea. I have been talking about it for years. =) There is a line in "Celebration of Discipline" (I think in the "Simplicity" chapter) that talks about enjoying things without needing to own them. And I think it's C.S. Lewis who talks about our (fallen) desire to own/collect beautiful things to have the feeling that it belongs to us. I constantly remind myself that I can enjoy x or y WITHOUT owning it.
ReplyDeleteDear friend,
ReplyDeleteI don't think being discontent is a character flaw because pretty much everyone I know is not content with something in their lives.
And IKEA does rock. I agree.
And we might be coming to Orlando this summer...still working out the details.
Love,
Tamara
Girl! I appreciate your honesty. I think discontentment is something many of us struggle with. Maybe it is part of this stage of life. We are kinda like in this in-between stage. Newly married, some new parents, starter homes/apts. Its like when you are a kid and want to be an adult, then when you grow up you want to be a kid. I bet in 15 years we'll look back and be like, "wow, we didn't know how good we had it." Maybe not...the point is, I know how you feel. Talk to you soon, friend!
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