Guest post from Shelly of Frugal Family Home
Are you content with what you have? I mean really content… or do you look at what other people have and long to have those things, too?
The better car, the bigger house, or the kids that look perfect. Why is it that we also long for the things we don’t have instead of treasuring what we do have?
There is nothing wrong with striving to be more, to do more, or to learn more. However, when you are content with what you have, you can make better decisions on how and what you want to pursue, purchase, or change. When you are discontent, the “I want it, too”, can lead you down a path that can be destructive.
When you are discontent, it can lead to purchasing things like clothes, cars, or even a newer bigger house you don’t really need or can afford. This can lead to bigger payments and a tighter budget which often results in strife in a marriage, stress at work, and a feeling of hopelessness in your situation.
What can you do to combat these feeling of discontent? Here are a few things to think about:
Count Your Blessings
Concentrate on the things that are most important, like your relationships with family and friends. Be thankful for the house you have even if it is a little small for your family. Be thankful for that ugly car that is not showroom quality but gets you to work each day. Being thankful for what you have can help you become more content.
Practice Waiting and Patience
Many people today want the big house as their first home. They are discontent with starting in a starter home and moving up when finances allow. They are discontent at the entry-level work that it takes to get to the job of their dreams. They want a brand-new car when their budget screams that an 8-year-old car is all you can afford.
When you practice patience, and wait to buy things until you can afford them, the joy will be so much greater. Instead of dreading the bill that comes each month and having to figure out how to pay it, the new purchase can be a blessing instead of a curse.
Being Content Isn’t Limiting
Being content doesn’t mean you have to stay where you are (in the starter home or the entry-level job or the old car) forever. It just means you are willing to stick with those things until you are able to move on to what you desire.
Your Desires May Not Be What You Need
Recently, we wanted a different house. Not a bigger house just the same house with more land. We wanted a bigger garden, maybe some chickens and a goat.
The timing just wasn’t right and, after many failed deals and compromising on our part, we gave up on selling our home and decided to stay put. It just wasn’t the right time.
Then we had a small bump in the road: Our son went into the hospital and because of complications we ended up staying a week. Our neighbors who we had lived along side us for 15 years knew something was wrong.
They just jumped in. They watered our garden, mowed our lawn, and helped to keep the outside of our house up for us during that week. They checked on our dogs each day and offered more help if we needed it.
This is a blessing we would have missed if we hadn’t decided to be content with the home we have. Sometimes the thing you desire most is the thing you need the least.
Being content doesn’t mean you stop striving or working towards something better. Being content just means you are willing to be happy with what you have until the time is right to move onto what your heart desires.
What is your best advice for being content?
Shelly Olson is a homeschooling mom of two, with a loving husband of 23 years. She loves to encourage others in there quest to live within their means. She shares about recipes, budgeting, homemaking, gardening, and family fun. She writes at Frugal Family Home.
Sharla @ Slacker Saver says
I try to take a long view: In a year, will my life be better if I had this/did this/whatever? Sometimes the answer is yes, which requires some big thinking. Often, the answer is no, which helps me move past the situation.
Aida says
When I get into this mood, I journal and start with three things I am thankful for. And write. Write like made about those three things. Those three lead to another three and another. I don’t stop until the ‘mood’ passes. Then I begin to hear the Lord talking to me and I release those feelings. This works for me.
Stephanie says
Thank you for such an inspirational post! My husband and I both worked full time jobs and made a very nice living. We had the option of buying a larger house with our three kids but decided to stay in our current home. Glad we made that decision because my husband was recently laid off. Had we bought that larger house we would not be able to afford the payments. I am grateful we decided to stay in our current home and knowing we can afford our payments on just my salary. Life is full of choices, sometimes we make bad ones and sometimes we make the right ones.
Shelly says
Stephanie, I am sorry your husband was laid off recently. It is great that you have the security of being able to afford the payments on your salary. I hope your husband can find a new job that he loves soon.
Lana says
I saw a great quote recently—‘If you are unhappy with something, clean it!’ I find that this pretty much always works for me!
We are at the other end of the house spectrum. We really need to downsize after raising 5 children in a large house that with acreage that God blessed us with 20 years ago. Odd as it seems the greener grass for us is a smaller city size lot and less house to clean and maintain!
Shelly says
I really like that quote, I will have to remember it. After cleaning everything does look so much better. 🙂
Kristin says
Great post. I still have to work on this too, but it gets easier. When we were app lying for our first (and only) home loan more than a decade ago, the guy called me at work to triumphantly inform me that we qualified for a $105k loan. I replies to him that may be the case, but that doesn’t mean we can afford the payments on a $105k loan. I’ll never forget the long, stunned silence on the other end. 🙂 We ended up buying a house for $75k. Not the nicest house ever, but comfortable and happy. The only reason I now want to move is because our neighborhood has kind of gone downhill. One house next door burned down three years ago and is now a vacant lot. On the other side of us is a well-known drug dealer. There was a drive-by shooting there 1 and 1/2 years ago and it makes me nervous living right next door. Now my husband is a police officer, so I feel safe when he’s home, but I get anxious when he’s not here at night. Has anyone else dealt with the bad neighborhood situation and what helped you?
Shelly says
Do you have a neighborhood uplift program in your area? We had trouble with drug dealing in our old neighborhood and they helped us know what to do and they were also able to get the police to increase patrols. I hope you can get some help to get the problem resolved.
Kristin says
Thank you, Shelley. I have no idea what a neighborhood uplift program is, but I will certainly look into it.
Jessica says
In 2007, a convicted murderer and his common law wife moved in next to me. We also got a sheriff’s notification that a convicted rapist was moving into the house behind the convicted murderer. Our attached garage was burglarized in July 2011. Across the street, a couple had all four tires stripped off their Escalade. The people behind us had their car stolen. The murderer died last fall. A few blocks out, my neighborhood is also the pits. Shootings, murders, robberies, prostitution, drugs, etc.
I have three little kids and no longer feel safe in my neighborhood. Also my DH has a long commute to work and my oldest has a long (45 minute) bus ride to school.
We’re working with a realtor to find a new place and the houses that can accommodate us (3br, 1.5 ba, 2 car garage) are either snapped up within hours of being listed, or they need a major overhaul, or they’re out of our price range, or they’re in a neighborhood just as bad as this. 🙁
Anna says
Oh, it’s nice to know that others are in the same boat as I am. We have 4 young kids and we live in one of the worst neighborhoods in town. Within a 3 mile radius there are about 12 convicted child molesters, we live across the street from a TERRIBLE/TERRIBLY busy city park. We’re surrounded by low income housing and there are sirens over the hill several times a day. Our yard is chain link fenced and there’s no backyard, just a side yard that the ENTIRE neighborhood can see. I hate it! We desperately want to move but are in debt up to our eyeballs (NOT because of wanting more, but my husband and I both got let go at the same time a few years back and went for a long time making VERY little income. Anyway, just wanted to let others know that there are other people in similar circimstances as well. We are praying for a miracle (literally, that’s the ONLY way I see us getting out of this neighborhood.)
PS. My husband works nights and I hate it, it’s very scary.
Kristin says
Oh, honey, I feel your pain. Our property value is in the toilet now, thanks to the empty lot next door and the drug dealer on the other side. A realtor friend told us that we’d be lucky to break even if we tried to sell, but we can’t afford to move anyway. I feel trapped and it sounds like you do, too. Hugs to you.
Tamara says
This is a great post! Too often we tend to let others influence our decisions, without regard to our own budget. It is all in His perfect timing. Thank you for sharing such an awesome guest post.
Shelly says
You’re right Tamara. There is pressure from others at times but waiting for the perfect time is the best way to go.
Danica says
Yes! Great post with a great message.
We have to move every two years or so because of my husband’s work. One of the best things about this is that we have learned how to make things work for us because nothing is forever! Our kids are learning that they can deal with not having a playroom at one house, and how to make the best of that, because they know it may change at the next place. It’s teaching us all to learn to be content with what we can find in the city we are currently in and to make the best of it. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing, Shelly!
Sally says
Yes! Everything is indeed temporary. Be thankful for the now and always have hope for the future! 🙂
Kandice says
One of the best sayings I’ve ever read – “If the grass looks greener on the other side, yours needs water!” ((hugs)) to everyone going through a tough time
Sarah says
We were also encouraged to buy a bigger home when we bought our first house 10 years ago. I thought it was a tad small for 2 kids (3 br, 2 1/2 baths, 1850 square feet) when my mother informed me that growing up with 5 brothers and sisters, the biggest house we had was 1900 square feet! We consider ourselves “house rich” and I can’t imagine ever cleaning more! We also live in a small neighborhood with many like-minded friends and don’t feel the need to keep up with the Joneses at all. We have finally accepted that my 17 year old car is dead, and are living with one car for a couple of months til we are ready for the next one. Recently, my daughter said something about one of her friend’s houses being a “rich house” (she is 6). I told her if we had a house like that we couldn’t afford to do the trips and fun things we do! I am writing this from China where we are for a month with my husband’s job. We could never have afforded a trip like this with double the mortgage!
Shelly says
I know my grandparent’s raised two kids in a 1000 square foot home. I was raised in a house that was about 1900 square feet and we own one that is 1500 square feet. I wouldn’t want a bigger house, it would just be too much to maintain and clean. I hope you and your family have a great time in China.
Anna says
My husband and I currently have 4 kids in a 1250 sq ft house, and on long days, I tend to get frustrated and feel cramped!! But then I remind myself that my parents (who had 9 kids total..I’m the youngest) had SEVEN, yes 7 boys in a 510 sq ft mobile home for severeal years. Hello? Puts my “tight space” in perspective. Even though my house is old, it has heat and ac. I can’t complain when I have half the kids in double the space.
Sandra @ The Sensible Mom says
This is a great post, Shelly, and a great reminder. Thank you. My family of seven is a one car family, and we’ve learned to be content with our situation. I actually like it. 🙂 As for our house, we are content to rent for now, and we will find a way to be content if we can’t buy a home next year.
Shelly says
Sandra, that’s great that you are content to continue to rent until the time is right for you to own your own home.
Milk Allergy Mom says
Great article, Shelly! When my kids and I are out and about and start to “want” things we see, I remind them that we have plenty of fun things at home that we can enjoy. It’s a fun game, actually, to remind ourselves of what we can get back home to play with. For me, I love creating…in the kitchen, in the craft room, etc. So instead of going to buy more supplies or ingredients, I challenge myself to create with what I have. It’s so rewarding. And I challenge my boys to play with their toys in a new way or with a new friend…just a new perspective if you will.
Money is tight this coming week so I already have planned some ways for us to enjoy our week and keep us busy without needing to run out and be tempted by commercialism. 🙂
Oh, we also spent one day doing most everything for “free” last week. 🙂 That was a fun game, too. It’s fun to talk about those things with your kids and to help them to learn contentment and appreciation.
Shelly says
We taught our kids that commercials are just trying to make us buy them we don’t really need. When my daughter was little and she would see a commercial she would always say they are trying to get us to buy something we don’t need. To this day my daughter still isn’t swayed much by commercials now my son is another story but we are working on it.
A “free” day would be so much fun.
L says
I just wanted to mention that the grass may appear greener when looking at other people’s homes, cars or lifestyle but a person may also be very unaware of other people’s DEBT! Looks can be very deceiving! Everyone chooses to live differently! Some choose to save and others choose to spend beyond their means! In my own experience, I have been jealous of a certain family’s lifestyle, their vacations, their cars and was shocked to learn of their tremendous debt! From that, I have learned to focus on my own life, try to be content with what we have as a family, do the best I can to make sure that my husband and I make good choices which ultimately affect our children’s life and their future. Which mostly means living a pretty simple life.
Mama Murrey says
The grass is always greener over the septic tank. I try to remember this when I’m tempted to be jealous of a friend who seems to have it all. My husband is Happy and AT HOME far more than hers. And we have no debt. And we’re doing things that matter for eternity (teaching, worship, discipleship) rather than investing our short lives in things with no eternal value.
Jessica @ The Abundant Wife says
Thanks for sharing! Once upon a time my husband and I had 2 jobs, a house we could afford on 1 salary, 1 dog, 2 cars, and no kids. We really didn’t know how good we had it financially, and neither one of us was very happy with our jobs. My husband was especially miserable in his job.
Then we rented out our house, moved to China for 2 years, then went into Youth Ministry full-time. We’ve had 6 months on 1/2 salary in Minnesota, been laid off, spent a year living in my parents’ basement in Maryland with 2 kids while job searching, and now live in California. Even this year, we’ve had 4 months on 75% salary with 3 kids.
However, we are happier here than we have ever been anywhere else. My husband loves his job, and I love staying home with our kids. We only have one car now, and we rent our current home which needed a lot of fixing up when we moved in. Our years of surviving through a foreign culture, pay cuts, lay off, unemployment, and dependence on others have taught us to be grateful for the simple things: a job, a home of our own, a roof over our heads, heat in the winter, food to eat, ground for growing things, children to love, and enough money to pay the bills.
Also, if someone were to have handed me everything I ever needed or wanted, I would have missed out on the things I’ve enjoyed learning over the years, and the people I’ve met on this crazy journey. 🙂
Shelly says
The times in my life I have experienced the most growth is through the hard times. Without the hard times, there is no need to grow or change. Sounds like the hard times you and your family have been through have really molded you into who you are today. I am sure you are truly blessed by all you have learned and experienced along the way.
Kiki @ Choosing to Cherish says
I love this. Thank you for sharing! One thing that always work for us is by changing our perspective: to look down instead of looking up. My husband and I came from a third work country where clean water, electricity, and air conditioner is a privilege. Every time we are tempted to complain we think of people who have less than us and we can’t help but be thankful.
Shelly says
Sometimes I do want to complain too but I really don’t have anything to complain about at all. All of my family’s basic needs are met and more. I will often think of those who have less than us to keep my extra wants in check.
Brenda says
Thank you for this post. I’ve been a bit stuck in the pessimistic rut of “I should be content, but content means we never move on to better”. You’ve reminded me that contentment is not settling. It’s being grateful for what you have and being patient for the right time to move on.
You’ve challenged me, Shelly.
Erin @ My Mommy World says
What a great post! I sometimes get caught up in wanting the next bigger and better thing as well, and it’s good to have these reminders about counting your blessings and being patient.
Oftentimes I wish we had a bigger house, or one that had a better floor plan, but like you, we have such great neighbors, that I would hate to leave them. We really are blessed being here with our friends and a great school, and being near stores (our grocery store has an awesome coupon policy!).
Shelly says
Our neighbors are the best. It is just so great to have neighbors who you can count on and they can count on you.
Jenny says
Great post Shelly!!!
Shelly says
Thanks, Jenny!
Chelsea says
Awhile back, I was spending my daughter’s entire nap time entering sweepstakes. My efforts were well intended, I was trying to “save us money,” but I found that this only fueled my discontentment. Every time I entered, it was for a luxurious car, home, vacation, shopping spree, etc. Not only could I not afford these things, I couldn’t *win* them either, but that didn’t stop me from wanting them. If I stuck at it, I might have won eventually. But then what? I would move on to the next contest/desire.
I still enter a few fun ones occasionally, but now I have found more positive ways to spend that time during my day 🙂
Crystal says
What great perspective! Thanks so much for sharing!
Sakura says
I love this post. We just decided to stay in our home for a few more years until it’s paid off before we start looking for a different home. This was a very difficult decision to come to, but ultimately I think it will be better for us financially. We have less than 3 years left on our house, so it won’t be too long.
Shelly says
Sakura, good for you. Just concentrate on how wonderful it will be when your home is paid off and I am sure the time will go by quickly.
JenMarie says
Great post! We have 5 kiddos and a missionary budget and have had to “go without” different material things quite a bit. (At least by American standards). I use to feel sorry for myself that we were needing to buy all our clothes at thrift stores and garage sales. It helped me when I read “The Happiness Project” in which the author brought up that people who have had periods of deprivation tend to be happier and more content than people who have always had everything they wanted. This really turned my perspective as I found it to be true. Weeks we would really have to stretch things with the grocery budget tended to produce lots of thankfulness for the weeks we were able to buy some extra treats. God has now blessed us with a house. It still needs work, but I am in awe that we are even here. We pray for things we need to go on sale and God often blesses us beyond what I could imagine. He is faithful!
Chelsea says
My mother in law has told me she used to pray before going to garage sales for whatever need was needing met, usually jeans and shoes in a certain size. They had 8 children on a pastor’s income. 🙂
Shelly says
The Happiness Project is on my reading list for this year. God can really provide for our needs.
Aimee says
I love The Happiness Project and have given it many times as gifts to friends and family. I’m currently reading her newest book, Happier at Home, and am very much enjoying it!
Shelly says
I’ll have to add that book to my ever growing reading list. 🙂
Kakkilea says
Shelly, wonderful post! All I would add is that the Bible verse” delight thyself in The Lord and He will give thee the desires of thy heart” has been true in my life and I have almost 60 years of living proof. It’s been tested in the fire and proven absolutely unfailing! I could give so many examples but I will just give the most recent . Our 2001 car was totaled last July in an accident.( no injuries, Thank The Lord!) I had wanted a mini van for the past 20 years but the timing was never right and we could not afford it. In fact I had just about forgotten it! Now, we were concerned because on retirement income we were not in a position to buy a new car. What to do? Well for the time being we just decided to forgo any out of town driving and use our 1975 Ford truck. It would suffice us around town. The months went by and just before Thanksgiving, we got a call from the salesman who sold us our last two new cars during our working years. He said you really need to come by and see something. I think I have the perfect vehicle for you. ( he knew of the accident). When we arrived guess what we saw? A new looking beautiful silver minivan! This was a 2004 but only had 48,000 real miles on it! It came with a lengthy powertrain warrant and was well known to the dealership as they had done all service on it. Price tag ? $8,000 . It is now sitting in our driveway happily at home. The van came to the dealership on Saturday in Nov. and we drove it home on Wed. Before Thanksgiving. The other part? I need it now more than I ever did then as it easily carries our scooter lift and is easier to get in and out of and drive with my arthritis ( and husband’s) than the car.
Shelly says
That’s wonderful and such a blessing for both your husband and yourself.
Jessika says
Great post! I definitely feel most grateful for what I have when I help out the homeless community and really talk story with them. Some of them are so distraught about the situation they’re in while others are really content with what they have; that to me is so humbling.
Jess
jessclassy.blogspot.com
Shelly says
Serving other that are less fortunate than ourselves is a great way to be content with what we have. Good for you getting out there and serving others. Way to go!
Heather says
This reminds me of last year when I was really jealous of a friend who owns a nice house (we rent a tiny apartment), wears nice clothes (I shop only at thrift stores), and her husband has an extremely well-paying job. Then I found out her husband is gone 5 days a week for business, and he absolutely HATES his job. I would not trade a happy husband who works near home and can spend plenty of time with the kids for nice “things.”
Shelly says
It sounds like your friend has to give up quite a bit to have all those nice things. A happy family is an easy pick for me too.
Content says
Yeah, I think everything comes with a price and there are some things that are just not worth it. My husband’s father was a VP who worked hard, made a lot of money, and retired by age 50. He also lived in a different state from his family and visited them on weekends for a period of time. My husband has a handful of memories of his dad spending time with him and most memories involve him being bought something. We’ve chosen not to live that way. I switched careers so I could be a teacher and have summers and school breaks off with my children. My husband works very hard, but at a job that ends early so he can spend time with the family. We enjoy our family time. If we compared ourselves to my in-laws and wanted their level of wealth, we’d be depressed… bonuses that are greater than my year’s pay, pools, big houses, great vacations, pricey cars, lake houses, etc., but I am honestly happy with what I have. I have great kids, a wonderful friend in my husband, a nice home, reliable vehicles, a good job… I could go on and on.
Kalyn Brooke | Creative Savings says
I really like what you said about being content doesn’t have to be limiting. We are trying to buy a house, and I would love to get out of this apartment now, but God says wait.
I actually wrote a post on contentment this past week – it was very therapeutic to write! http://creativesavingsblog.com/frugal-living/budget_basics/learning-contentment-when-the-money-isnt-there/
Shelly says
I hope you can find the perfect house soon. It is great that you are willing to listen to God and wait.
Michelle says
There is a magnificent house here in my city that I have driven by almost every day for the last two years. I have always wanted to see the inside. Yesterday I got the chance to see the inside (long story). The inside was just as beautiful as the outside. It did not disappoint at all. I told the owner how excited I was to see her house. Her response: “Well, it’s not perfect. We still have so much more work to do. But it’s alright for now.” It’s alright for now? I couldn’t believe she was saying that about this amazing and absolutely perfect house! I would gladly give up my apartment for her house!
This was just another reminder to me that those who have the things we long for often have longings of their own. We always want bigger and better, and when we get that, we want more. We are never satisfied. We always want “the next best thing” and often ignore the “best things” right in front of us. When I am feeling envious of others, I remind myself that they are envious of someone also.
Shelly says
So true Michelle. Being happy and seeing the blessing we have right in front of us can be a challenge.
Laura at TenThingsFarm says
A combination of counting my blessings and limiting my exposure to media – sale ads, television, internet marketing, anything that makes me feel like I want something I don’t have (even things like craft/home improvement shows can make us feel like what we have isn’t good enough)…that’s what really helps me be happy with what I have. It also means that I end up with things I truly like, because I shop places like goodwill and yard sales, so the clothes, home furnishings, etc. really reflect my personal style instead of me being influenced by a store display.
Shelly says
I love shopping for used items too. You can really find great unique items.
Diane says
I think focusing on what you do have and being thankful for that is what you need to be content. I had a woman complain about how tight finances were because of her husband’s job but God gave them 5 kids and we were unable to have more the one living child. I didn’t really want to hear about money when I’ve had to be at my own babies’ funerals. So, you really never know what trials other people have and yes we need money to live but there is so much more to life.
Shelly says
Diane, I am so very sorry for the loss of your babies. You are so right so much more to life than money.
Amie says
This is a good post. When my husband and I were much younger, we decided we wanted a small modular home. My husband planned to sell his town house and had we done this, it would have been affordable. However, his family is much wealthier than we are and didn’t like that idea. It seemed like a “class” thing and I wanted very much to be accepted by them so I never questioned their ideas. I also liked the idea of all nice new things that I’d never had before. They convinced us to purchase a home that was much more than we could afford with a mortgage from the bank and one from them and talked us into renting the town house. It was a huge mistake that didn’t stop there. His parents talked us into remodeling the bathroom, spending thousands on landscaping, purchasing all new furniture, and making some other very expensive repairs. In the end, we couldn’t afford the utlities and shivered away in the winter. We eventually sold the house – at a loss and sold the town house – with a profit. We moved south to a new, much more affordable home where we are very happy. I think it is important to not only be content with what you have, but to be willing to say no to others who want more for you even when their intentions are good.
Diane says
I agree, people will suggest things or trips that you know aren’t within your budget. Several people told my husband and me to look at bigger, more expensive houses before we bought our house but we chose to buy one we could easily afford on my husband’s income so I didn’t feel obligated to keep up my job for needed expenses. I am glad because it takes pressure off but at the same time I do have to remember to be thankful for our smaller house with one bathroom. 🙂
Shelly says
When my husband and myself were shopping for our first home we qualified for a large loan. We were encouraged to spend the full amount we qualified for. We opted to purchase our first home that was only half of what we qualified for, a small 3 bedroom 1 bath home. It was the best decision we ever made. It allowed us to get out of debt and for me to quit working when our daughter was little. Had we opted for the bigger house I believe I would have had no choice but to continue working when our daughter came along.
jennifer says
This is a great post I need to remember. I feel I am always telling others we really ARE content and trying to build that in our children. it is hard though in a different way than most. We live in a very affluent suburb. By most standards we too are wealthy I guess though we watch our money closely. There are many many things we cannot buy that are wants though all our needs plus are covered. Looking around where we are there are many many that have much larger homes, much nicer clothes, and it is easy to say we wish we had a larger home, larger yard or nicer things. I see others doing so much more and I wonder how they do it. Maybe they have debt maybe they dont tithe I dont know but My children and my husband are my greatest treasure of course after God. He has blessed us richly and if we lost it all tomorrow I can still be content.
(hope thats not too much of a spin off your message)
Shelly says
Jennifer, What you are saying is so true. Even if you have all the need covered there is always someone who is doing more or have more. Keeping a good perspective as you mentioned about your God, your husband and kids being your greatest treasure is so important.
melissa says
Amen to all of that. I will also add that having that newer, bigger, better, more expensive thing can add stress because if my old car gets a little ding or scratch in it, oh well. But if I had a brand new one, I would be all stressed out over it getting damaged. I’ve never had a brand new car (and probably never will) but I have had other nice things and sometimes (usually) I prefer something that you can just be comfortable with… not have to treat like a museum piece. Not that I don’t like nice things, but there is a certain price (stress-wise) that comes with them.
Shelly says
My current used car is the nicest one I have ever had. When we first purchased it I was so nervous about it getting dinged or hit by someone, it already had it’s share of little dings but I was still nervous. I have finally calmed down about it now but it did add to my stress.
Shannon says
The grass is greener where it is cared for. Property, health and relationships all benefit or flourish when tended regularly and not neglected. Investing effort into the “greening” of my home brings me contentment. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Shelly says
So true Shannon.
Kim M says
Thank you for this post.. it helps put my life into better perspective at a very hard time in my life. Instead of getting all depressed and down about not having our own home, or the fact that my 2 yr old will not let me put her down long enough to make something for dinner or do laundry, or that I will not see my family at all today because I have 2 jobs back to back that I have to work.. I need to concentrate on the fact that we have an apartment with a very understanding landlord who is willing to help us during a time when we would have been evicted by anyone else. My children WANT to spend time with me, and love to be held and kissed and played with, and this stage wont last forever so I need to enjoy it now. And last but not least, I need to be thankful for both of my jobs that allows me to support my family, especially in a society where jobs are apparently hard to come by for many people.
This post couldn’t have come at a better time in my life. I thank you Shelly.
Shelly says
Kim, it sounds like you have so many good things in your life, a great landlord, loving kids and two jobs that support your family. I am so glad this post was encouraging for you. 🙂