With this move to Florida, God has given my husband and I back all we lost. A steady income. A nice place to live. A warm climate. Free cable. Two bathrooms. An ice maker... the list goes on.
But what truely amazes me, is I only need half of what I lost.
When we first dropped cable, we moaned for days. We bought an antennae and learned to love whatever was playing when and if we had reception.
When we moved to a house with one small bathroom after leaving three, I hated rushing so my husband could use it too. But I learned to shower faster.
When we rid ourselves of boxes and boxes of our belongings so we didn't have to rent a larger truck to move, I wondered if I would ever get over the loss. But I was able to ride in the same truck with my husband and enjoy his company.
I learned to buy used for practically everything. Clothing, household items, knick-knacks. I also learned to tell friends we couldn't eat out anymore, and enjoyed making new recipes at home.
I learned to shop discount grocery stores and not waste leftovers. I learned that finding books for three for a dollar can excite me as much as finding the perfect new shoes.
Last weekend, I bought two custom framed prints for my bare walls at 90 percent off with a 25% discount. I paid eight dollars. I will learn to love those water colors just as I have learned to love whatever God gives me.
What excites me most through all of this learning time in my life, is how I discovered that things don't make me who I am. Things don't bring me that joy that they once did. Things come and go. What I need most is the security that God knows what I need.
His way. Not mine.
But as I like to say, His plans are always much better.
15 comments:
Amen!
God is a wise and, at times, discipline-oriented teacher, Terri, as you and I both know.
But He is kind, loving and gentle, too. And He knows what is best for His children.
I, too, have learned to trust Him. Susan
"Things come and go. What I need most is the security that God knows what I need."
Terri, in these two sentences you sum up everything. It takes people a lifetime to accept that God's plans are way better than their own. Hugs.
Sometimes we just don't get it until God plunks it right in front of us... "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." [Jeremiah 29:11] He knows us and our needs so much better than we do, but it always seems to take a while for us to learn this. :)
Bravo! So happy for you. I learned in my 6-week trip that I can live perfectly fine with two small suitcases. Well, I did miss my hair dryer. ;) God is good. (But I did have my own bathroom.)
His way is always the best way.
Stuff is just stuff. So temporary and, as you say, unneeded.
trust and hope in inspiration can turn expectations into possibilities....
Amen sister. It's hard to let go and let God but when we do, we can find contentment.
I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances. Phil 4:11
Well said. Very well said. God is so good.
What a wonderful post with much insight and gentle reminders. Sometimes we just need to slow down and take stock of the blessings we already have without wishing for more. Though a trip to the thrift store can be an occasional treasure hunt :-)
Terri, what an amazing post. I'm not a thing person, so this really hit home for me. We too have so much more than we need. I've learned that His presence is what I crave the most. I love reading about your journey....perhaps, one day, a book about your incredible journey to inspire others??????
I'm so glad everything is going good with you. There are so many things that we can do without or can get for less. My favorite shopping places(other than WalMart) are thrift stores and yard sales. I just got complimented today on my pretty spring top that I had just bought a couple of days ago for 25 cents at the thrift store. My best wishes to you and your husband.
Great post. Yeah, belongings come and go. God knows best as to what's important to us! Glad you are settling in there in Florida. :)
So true. And I'm so happy for you, Terri!
His ways are higher, yes, and He always wants what's best for us.
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