He who has no money is poor; he who has nothing but money is even poorer."
~Amish Proverb
Yesterday was a big day for us. We didn't stop until gone 8 o'clock last night. The bath was finally finished and so began the work of putting everything back into it, but in a more organized manner in which it had come out. We got rid of all the junk that we had been holding on to, but never, ever used. You know the type of thing I mean . . . bath potions and lotions, gifts from thoughtful friends, but not your cup of tea . . . really. Things purchased because they seemed like a good deal at the time, out of date creams and medicaments, etc. It just seemed like the right thing to do . . . fresh new bath . . . fresh new feel. It just needs a bit of dressing up now as it's very plain, perhaps I will create some special bath artwork, who knows!
At the same time yesterday, just as the builder was putting the finishing touched onto the bath . . . our new twin beds arrived. We had saved and scrimped for them for over two years now. Apparently I kick out in my sleep . . . even when I am resting, I am on my travels it seems. I am a very light sleeper, and I can't even stand to hear someone breathing in the same room, even with ear plugs in . . . and Todd is a cover-hog. Yes, it's true. So anyways, to make a long story short we decided twin beds would be best and so we've been saving up for them.
In August we finally had enough set aside, and so we went out looking and bought a pair. I had no idea that twin beds would take up so much room. Together they are quite appreciably larger than our old double bed so we then had to move everything around in the bedroom. Poor Todd . . . he would not call anyone to come and help him. He did it all himself. We finally finished by about 7:30 last evening. It's not totally done by a long stretch . . . but it's liveable for now. I still have to sort out what pictures I want to hang etc.
We sat here on the sofa last evening, surveying our domain and we both looked at each other and said . . . we have a lovely home. With a touch more organization (think craft room here), it will be perfect. We may not have a lot of money, but we have all that we need and we are content. Like everyone, we are feeling the pinch, having to tighten our belts in an economy which seemingly worsens with each day that passes . . . but we have enough. Sufficient for our needs. The beauty lies in being able to tell the difference between a want and a need. The wisdom too . . .
When I worked in the Big House, I can remember thinking about how terrible it would be for them to lose everything they had . . . that beautiful house, all of their money and valuable treasures. I think it's very true that the more you have, the more you have to lose . . . but what makes it even worse is . . . storing up your treasures here on earth, rather than in heaven. If everything you have, and all of your heart, is invested in things which you couldn't bear to lose . . . then you really have nothing at the end of the day. Earthly treasures can always be taken away, lost . . . destroyed.
Far better to invest in things which have real value . . . family, home, relationships . . . faith. Real joy comes from living simply, loving and being loved, trusting in the Lord to supply all of your needs, serving others, finding beauty in the simple and sublime, good health . . . gratitude. Knowing that even if all of our physical possessions were to suddenly disappear in a puff of smoke . . . we'd still have everything that truly matters in this lifetime, and in the next . . . that is where true wealth lies.
Yes, we have a beautiful home. We are blessed . . . but that is just the icing on the cake. Beneath it all, we have our love for each other, our faith, joy in service . . . our health, peace of mind, and grateful hearts. This is the real treasure. It doesn't come wrapped up in a box . . . you can't hang it on the wall . . . you can't eat it or touch it . . . or even see and taste it, but it is more real and has more meaning than any amount of other things that you can see, touch, hold, hang, taste . . .
Finding joy in the journey, no matter what. Worth it's weight in gold.
"What we love determines what we seek. What we seek, determines what we think and do. What we think and do, determines who we are . . . and who we will become."
~Dieter F Uchtdorf
Happy Thursday everyone!
Cooking in The English Kitchen today . . . Refrigerator Fudge Cake.
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