Well, there is nothing like reading a friend’s, who happens
to be a missionary overseas, blog post to stop you in your greedy tracks and
put your heart back into order. She and her family, like myself, had just moved
into a new house. You could “see” her literally beaming from ear to ear as she
described her new home and surroundings. The 2 bedroom house now housing 2
parents and 4 kids. A photo of the kid’s shared room looked like a jigsaw
puzzle of mattresses on the floor with barely a free inch to move about. Then a
glimpse of the bathroom with little to no “comforts” of an American home. Then
traveling to the dining room where the table was a rug on the floors and sitting
around the rug were a group of 10 or so neighbors all in delight at today’s
menu.
A few excerpts to give you the idea (for safety for her and her family I have purposely not listed her name or location):
… I love this room! We are trying to be like our local
friends and not have a dining room table- we eat on the floor- we put another
little blanket on the rug, then a plastic cover on that and then the thin
doshaks (foam mattresses) stacked at the back are set out around the plastic.
So far, so good..
…sheesh, there was gunk all over this kitchen- I
literally scraped each tile in here and then scrubbed it with a sponge! It was
so dirty! So my sink overlooks our street and we have put up the cutest white
sheer curtain over the sink there (need to get that pic for you). Oh yes,
and that’s a dishwasher!!! We haven’t had one the 7 years we lived outside of
America!...
…This is the “junkyard” as our boys lovingly call the
empty lot across from our house. It looked so beautiful here because the
snow covered up all the junk. It’s super fun for the kids, though! I’m
happy for them to have it to explore- we still all miss the “wilderness” from
our village house…
In every photo or description of words there is an excitement
that simply cannot be contained! And a graciousness exuding of all that God had
provided for her family. Her simple décor in her home is beyond beautiful as
you read the delight in her heart as the words flow to the page. In her “junkyard” she see possibility for her
kids. In cleaning her kitchen she found purpose in providing meals for
neighbors. In the kids room they can’t wait to sleep tetris style on the floor!
Hers, a perfectly contented heart.
Meander over to my world for a minute. Frustration at
delayed hardwood installation. Bitterness of still living on sub-floors with dust piling up on every surface. Aching
backs from temporarily sleeping on mattresses on the floor. Irritation at
having to go to 4 different rooms to find articles of clothing each time I need
to get dressed. Eyes rolling at a backdoor unexpectedly needing to be replaced.
Overwhelmed at more room that I will ever need, though jumbled and disorganized
by renovation. Discontentment at a barren but huge backyard that sits empty
from lack of motivation. Growling at the 4th coat of paint now
applied to cover the blue ceiling. I bicker and I complain at every turn in
this renovation process that is now a month in. Mine, a situation induced discontented heart.
The contrast is stark and blaring….and perfectly timed as I
read her words of relocation. I flash back to the 4 kids with mattresses on the
floor and only a foot of space between the mattresses and the closet door they
all 4 share. I become acutely aware of my greed, despite downsizing, despite
following God’s prompting, despite having so many luxuries. I was missing the
whole point! Where was my excitement to climb into bed at night on the
mattresses on the floor? Where was my content in being able to dine not on a floor
but at a glass table with chairs. My house is empty of neighbors gathered
around for fellowship and a meal. So who is the winner here? She has so little yet has so very much! I have
so much and yet my heart reflects so little.
God met me in this moment as I read her delight. I will no
longer be complaining of renovation deadlines missed. You will not hear me
speak of having an empty downstairs. I will keep my lips zipped as I endure yet
another day of 15 hours worked. And my heart will not harden as I feel the
impact of Ron’s surgery this week and us not being settled in our home on time.
She quickly and unknowingly reminded me that having less is having more and
that my heart should delight in all things given. He brought me to this for my
season and for my being.
Deuteronomy 30:6 The Lord your God will change your heart and the hearts
of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may live!
Psalm 40:8 I take joy in doing
your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.”
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit
within me.
Prayers for this week:
- Ron has surgery on Friday for his torn rotator cuff . While I am grateful to be on this side of the surgical table, I do not wish this on him. He will be unable to drive for 3 weeks and in a sling for 8 weeks. Prayers for wisdom from the surgeon and swift healing.
- Prayers for this missionary family serving overseas. Prayers for safety and boldness in a new culture as they follow God’s heart. And prayers of thanksgiving as she unknowingly refocused my heart through her openness.
- Prayers for those of us State-side that God will continue to capture our hearts for His plans.
