Actually I just want to magically transport one of those new houses right in place of where we live now, as I love our location and our corner culdesac lot and the schools.
The home I live in really is pretty nice, but it isn't ours we are just renting and lately I just have this fear that our landlord will say he wants to sell it thanks to the rising house prices.
That leads to another problem, could we even afford to buy a house where we now live? Living in Southern California is not cheap, I could get the same house in a different state for a fraction of the price.
My husband has a great job, well a great job that he works 60-70 hours a week, is extremely stressful, is hard to take time off from, and an almost two hour commute.
I find myself quickly slipping down this path of "if only" and greed and lust. It is amazing how quickly the green-eyed monster can take over.
But then I stop and I see a picture of Ryder as a newborn-8 weeks early- and I remember back to those weeks he was in the NICU.
That is what matters- the people, the love, the friendships, the safety and security.
The peeling paint and marked up walls, the garage that is overflowing with things as we don't have quite enough room to store everything, those things don't matter.
It is an ever constant battle, as that green-eyed monster is good, he knows just how to get to me; but at least for today, I am not going to let him win. I am going to stop and see the little things, stop and get down and play a game with my kids, stop and enjoy the view, the sunset, even the winds that are wiping through our area now. Time to be truly present and enjoy the good things of the moments. Simple and imperfect as they may be, but they are real and it is what matters most.
This is absolutely beautiful!! THANK YOU so much for sharing and reminding us all what is TRULY important in life!
ReplyDelete:) Rebecca
www.caravansonnet.com
We have always owned homes......but are renting in California......feels oddly safe here with fluctuating real estate. And, we, too live in smaller than normal space. 1,000 square feet instead of 3,000 plus where we lived previously. But, I LOVE our little bungalow. I've never been happier. Strange how that works out sometimes!
ReplyDeleteMuch needed reminder, thanks.
ReplyDeleteInteresting thoughts and I think they nail it right on the head. Wonder if Satan is behind the green-eyed monster of jealousy? Hahaha I couldn't help but go there because we're reading Paradise Lost right now in Brit Lit.
ReplyDeleteSo very true! (and the second post I've read today that reminded me to be grateful for what I have)
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to get caught up in the "I want, I need, I wish" thoughts. I think we all do it. It takes a moment of perspective to open up our eyes to all that we have to be thankful for, and that it could be so much worse.
Mimi and I were just talking about this yesterday! It's so easy to focus on the wrong things, and so good to remember what really matters! xoxo
ReplyDeleteA good reminder for everyone.
ReplyDeleteEspecially as we get into the "gimmie" season.
Need to remember the "thankful" season all year.
It used to be a constant battle for me, too. We are just surrounded by million dollar homes and it makes coming home to our little 3 bedroom house hard to swallow! I still get twinges of jealousy, but I've chosen to focus on how much I DO have instead!
ReplyDeletePerspective. Such a great reminder for me! I have been struggling with this same thing. I need to be thankful for the things and people I have in my life today and quit worrying about the "if onlys". Stopping by from Pour Your Heart Out.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a reminder I needed, thanks. It's so easy to forget what matters most and get caught up in the 'what I don't have' instead.
ReplyDeleteI fight that monster all the time. Most of us do, I think, just for different things. Being content is just so dang hard sometimes!
ReplyDeleteAmazing how something as simple as a photo can be such a reminder to us. I love this post. I have to constantly remind myself that living with my inlaws right now means I can stay home with my kids instead of working. The sacrifices sometimes make things so much sweeter, don't they?
ReplyDeleteWhen we lived in Galveston I was content and didn't want much, but now that I live in a house there are so many things I want! It's hard sometimes. I know what you mean too about the long hours and long commute! Glad you can keep a good perspective! I'm so glad things worked out with Ryder being born early. He looks like a super cute kid to have! :)
ReplyDeleteThat monster is a tough one to beat. I think things like Pinterest don't help either! I didn't realize you didn't own your home. I think you've done a great job (judging by the pictures I've seen on the blog anyway) of making it your home. I am so guilty of constantly seeing the projects, and the things that need to be done. Thank you for reminding me to step back and enjoy playing on the floor with my son, instead of fretting that we need to replace our baseboards. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWow I really needed to read this today...its been a tough one but I need to focus on the simple things...that's what really matters!
ReplyDeleteI just read about your break in, so sorry! That would make me so upset too. But yes, the simple things, our family, their happiness, that is what matters most
DeleteWell-written and so true. Thanks for the reminder of what really matters!
ReplyDeleteI can always think of things I want...it never ends. But the list is constantly changing year to year. I never regretted one moment spent with my kids as they grew, and I never regret helping a friend or visiting with a neighbor. Life goes fast.
ReplyDeleteYes and that is what I try and keep in mind.. when I look back someday what things will matter most.
DeleteThat is the most catching photo I've seen in a while. Just love. How incredible of you to share. God bless you and I pray that all will be well for you and your family. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, my sister-in-law took this and I will forever be grateful she did. I don’t think I was even aware that she took it at the time but it really means so much to me.
DeleteThis is a sweet post. It's easy to get bogged down in the things we want and forget about the things we have. I know. I do it a lot too. Everyone does.
ReplyDeleteI'm visiting from SITS and look forward to reading more of your blog!
Thank you! Sorry I am just replying and finally got to your blog today. It really is easy to get caught up in a lot of things that really aren’t bad, they just aren’t the best things that matter most.
DeleteI let that green eyed monster get to me, too. But you're right- we need to remember what it is that really matters.
ReplyDeleteYes, it really is so easy for it to catch up to us. There are a lot of good things out there too but sometimes those other good things take away from what is best and matters most.
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