We have been going through a season in our lives where things are falling apart around us. In the past month, both of our vehicles haves needed repairs, we went without water for a day when some wires leading down to the pump in our well were severed, and we discovered a leak behind our shower that required the wall of my closet being ripped out.
In addition to these issues, I burnt up and ruined my favorite dutch oven that Jason bought me about 7 years ago. It can eventually be replaced, but not at this point in my life. Also, we brought out our little electric fireplace for the winter, and the dials on it no longer work. The fireplace still works, but only on high.
Several other little, annoying things have happened over the past month or so. If I allowed myself, I would feel like our world was crumbling around us just a little.
But here is what I have learned, instead:
1-How I react to these inconveniences determines how the entire family reacts to them. If I stay calm, patient, and optimistic, Jason stays calm and optimistic. He leads a stressful enough life without me adding to his stress with nagging and tears. These things will all eventually be fixed or replaced, and if they’re not, that’s ok, too.
2-I am so spoiled. There are mothers who can’t afford diapers or food or coats for their children. We are warm and full, and that is all that I can ask for.
3-This world is actually crumbling around me.
“Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.
Matthew 6: 19-21 (The Message)
What this season has mostly reminded me of is that these things don’t matter. They can be fixed with a little work, or they can be thrown away without much thought. In heaven, though, things will be perfect for eternity. I won’t take my Le Creuset pot into heaven, and it shouldn’t hold that much importance to me here on Earth.
Some things I can take with me, though. I can teach my children about Jesus so they can be in Heaven with me, I can be good to people so they may be drawn to Jesus, and I can fill my heart with God’s word. Those are the things that are important in Heaven.
So we’ll continue on, trying to keep things in perspective and hopefully with no more major incidences!
Your Mom, Charlotte Holt has taught you well. She is an amazing woman!
She is, Cindy!!! Thank you!
you are spot on about not stressing out in front of your family. i am the world’s worst. am trying so, so hard to stop doing it. praying hard. thanks for sharing. love you.
Sissy, love you! If anyone should give themselves permission to stress, it is you. Praying for you.
We have went through seasons like this as well. We always make it through by the grace of God! You have a great outlook, staying positive sets the tone for your family.
Jennifer, you are so right! There will always be times like this, and how we react means everything.
And you are an amazing woman. I have always been in awe of you calmness.
Mary Vett, That’s so kind of you! Miss you and hope you’re doing well!