The American Dream= More is better. Our culture does a terrific job of tapping into our brains and impacting our belief systems. Whether it's Billy Mays trying to sell me the POWER of Orange Glo household cleaners, the neighbor driving the Mercedes Benz, or the fashion-plate at work who never wears the same thing twice, we are constantly impeded upon with messages that We must have it! We must get more! We must have the most, the biggest, the best.
Stop for a moment. Re-read that paragraph. Go, now. Do it. Do you realize what faulty logic our culture is based off of? Don't get me wrong, I like new things. They're shiny and pretty, or is it that they make me feel shiny and pretty? Either way- new stuff rocks. However, thinking beyond our earthly bodies puts everything into perspective. Yes, new stuff rocks, but does it last? Old stuff, was once new as well.... This is no new lesson for me- simply a reminder. As I dream about my new place- I've been slightly worried that I've chosen to purchase a one bedroom condo- and not two bedrooms. BUT I am reminding myself, that I do not need any more. I am spoiled in so many ways- and really, I prefer to follow the motto of "Less Is More." (And no, Christina, I'm not talking about the guy we knew in college named Less who was slightly overweight. LOL! I know. We're horrible. But, oh, how we had fun at ISU!)
Now if only I could apply the "Less is More" motto to my wardrobe & accessories. drat.
Anyway- this weekend at church the message was about wonder, or more specifically, appreciating all of God's creation and taking the time to notice the small stuff and genuinely say "Wow!" at all of the amazing sights, smells, textures, and sounds of our world. Most importantly- recognizing the wonder of the people we love. The ones in our lives who are most important to us and the things we love about them. My homework was to share mine with my family. So here's my list (I have recently confirmed that all of these family members are regulars around here or are indeed stalking my blog, so I figured now's a good a time as any to share this!) :) :
One thing I love about Mom is her generosity, creativity, and her joy for life (oh and definitely her outgoing "people-person" personality)!
One thing I love about Dad is his hard-work ethic, generosity, unconditional love, and willingness to help his kids in anyway he can.
One thing I love about Sally is her honesty, wisdom, strong faith, and sense of humor.
One thing I love about Billy is his quiet, sensitive kind-heart/caring, and his wicked (aka awesome) sense of humor.
One thing I love about Tyler is his friendliness- non-judgemental attitude towards all people, joyful personality, outgoing-ness and knowledge of all things mechanical that I am clueless about.
These are just a few things about each of you guys that came to mind first. I know I did more than one, but I couldn't help myself! Love you!
:: End Family Love Fest::
Ok seesh- I had no intention of this post ending up where it's at. That was supposed to be an introduction to a poem I wrote. I am always working on not caring what others think so much, so I plan to continue to post whatever the heck I want on here (within reason of course), even if I don't think it's very good. So, back to my title, I give to you a poem which I entitled:
Blind To Our Blessings
We have the sight to see the world, yet lack vision to know,
All the blessings in our lives, they’re everywhere we go.
We are blind to our blessings
Wishing, hoping, waiting
Never fully satisfied in finding what we think we need
We are blind to our blessings
Asking, begging, bargaining
Waiting on such desired things and opportunities
If we stop just for a moment and reflect on our God’s wonder
The miracles around us from a blade of grass to thunder
Crickets chirping in the fields, sunshine lighting up our days
Our God has blessed each of us in unbelievable ways
We are blind to our blessings
Wishing, hoping, waiting
Never fully satisfied in finding what we think we need
We are blind to our blessings
Asking, begging, bargaining
Waiting on such desired things and opportunities
Ponder on your family, with you through thick and thin
God designed such love and support to come from your friends and kin
Human lives intertwined, brought together with a bond to stay
God planned it from the start; He knew the way such things would play
We are blind to our blessings
Wishing, hoping, waiting
Never fully satisfied in finding what we think we need
We are blind to our blessings
Asking, begging, bargaining
Waiting on such desired things and opportunities
Caring for our every need, a place to rest our heads at night,
Good health and wisdom to know what is wrong from what is right
A job to do, loved ones to love
These blessings bestowed to us from above
So what is it you’re waiting on? Wishing and hoping for?
Waiting on God to answer you and open up such doors
Perhaps you need to recognize that things will come and go
Bigger, better, newer, younger, may always taunt you so
But every treasure in this world will one day fade away
The good news is God’s grace and blessings are here for you today.
Could it be all that you needed you had right from the start?
The Love of God can surely fill your heart
If you choose to open up your eyes and truly, fully see
That the blessings you’ve been waiting on
Were not what you thought you would need.
I won’t be blind to my blessings
Loving, praising, appreciating
Satisfied with all I have as I go throughout my days
I won’t be blind to my blessings
Trusting God, we walk together, discovering what’s next
Knowing He will provide in His most perfect way.
If you've made it this far, thanks for reading! Happy Tuesday!
4 comments:
Wow Holly thanks for the really nice compliments. That's why I invited you over for dinner an hour ago (just kiddin', I just saw this now).
I appreciate your amazing creativity, ability to think outside the box, your love for children and your curiosity and enthusiasm for life and optimistic outlook.
Talk to ya later!
Sally
I loved reading this post and poem. Definitely a wake-up call. It's so true, I'm always wanting to next, newest thing and then once I have it I'm happy for awhile until the next thing comes along and then I want it. I think being able to be satisfied with what we have would truly be satisfying.
I'll chime in with Sally: I love your positive, cheerful attitude and ability to not let little things bother you (i.e. clutter, the missing vacuum from the Haynie front desk, etc), your creativity (staying up uber late making door decs (!), making my children's birthday invitations/cookie favors, etc., your optimistic attitude and not letting little things get you down and our shared love of Bucky's and Dunkin's. You're the best!! Love you!
BTW, the "Less" reference. Holy cow, too funny. Made me laugh out loud. Loves it!!
Two things:
1. I love that you used 'wicked' as an adjective with a positive connotation! I thought doing that was a purely New England thing! People look at me like I'm nuts down here when I say something was wicked & mean that in a good way.
2. I appreciate the seriousness of your post. I think it's very true that we don't see all the wonderful blessings we are surrounded by nearly often enough. But I cannot help saying this: you may feel like you are compelled to havt two bedrooms... until you are the one doing all the cleaning! And then you will be glad you have as few rooms as possible. ;-)
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