When you make major life decisions, such as marriage, children, buying a home and finances - you have to realize what you really value and want out of life and make sure your future spouse does too! What brings you the most joy? If a child doesn't bring you joy you are a mental nutcase LOL! Ok, so I threw that one in there for all you child nazi's. Do sticks of wood as big as you can get it bring you joy? Or rather having others see you drive around in a fancy car give you what you need in the joy-filled department? Is it the pitter-patter of little feet coming down the hall saying "mommy"? Or how about your table filled with friends and laughter during the holidays?
For us, we value family and people. I used to want a big house, luxury car, latest, trendiest clothes and all that but I think I grew up lol. Now, I realize that what brings me the most joy, besides God of course, is something that God himself has given me - my husband and my child. I understand contentment more now than I did a few years ago. We have lived in a one bedroom apartment all crammed together and we have even lived in a large 3bedroom, 3 floor townhome that was way too much space for us. What I have learned through living small and living in a larger space is that it doesn't bring me joy like I thought it would. Rather, I crave a simpler home that doesn't take hours to clean so I can spend more time with my precious family. It sounds kooky, but I've begun to love our paid-for used car. Somehow, along the way the desire to get, get, get or have that "dream" car dissipated because I realized I would rather spend my money elsewhere. I think to myself, if I was given $50K, I would invest it for our future and my daughter's - 5 years ago, I would have bought a BMW with it lol. But see, that car would get old but knowing my daughter would have a great start in life is priceless.
I could see myself living happily the rest of my life with the children God gives us doing His will for our lives in a small, adequate home with a dependable vehicle. I guess I just value those things that we can take to Heaven with us - what can compare? Is it the endless pursuit of consumerism and the building of bigger barns, so to speak, that is causing so many stress-related illness' and worry over extra responsibilities that come with having more? Have we took the time we could have had to help others and our families and spent it all up in the care of our material goods? The more you have, the more care and time it takes. We have to weigh our options with our life's decisions and know what we value and build upon that. If you want to be cleaning everyday of the week in your 5000sqft mansion that is so empty and quite because you hated children, then have at it if that is what you value! Meanwhile, I will be running down the slip n' slide with my children, showered in their kisses and enjoying my humble abode that takes 30 minutes to clean! ;-)
In the end, what really matters? Make the grass greener on your side! It's your life - make it worthwhile and ENJOY the life God has given you and be happy and joyful in all you do and above all - learn to be content in whatever situation you may be in!
