I am guilty of complaining about my house.  It’s a cute little home, but it is full of the “quirks” of any old house.  From the first few minutes of the first time I walked into this house, my imagination began to transform the place into a home that would reflect who we are and the life that we wish to live.  I could look past the outlandishly ugly lamp that resembled a comic book nemesis.  I could disregard the strangely painted bedroom and the paneling that didn’t quite reach the ceiling.  Beyond the odd choices of the previous owners, I could see a place to begin a family, a place to love my husband and enjoy my dog.  I recognized comfort, charm, and frugality!  We purchased our house for less than the price of our car and set to work turning it into the home that I envisioned for our early years as a family.  Not forever, but a happy “for now.”

Then the wily head of discontent appeared.  I don’t know when the complaining started, but it might have been after the second time that our Christmas decorations were ruined by water in our basement.  Or maybe after the paint mysteriously peeled off of the wall in the nursery.  I don’t really know, and I suppose it doesn’t matter.  The truth is that I lost sight of what we have and focused on what I wish the house was.  I nag about the clutter, the toys, the hole of a basement.  But after six days of staying with family (Thank you, guys!!), my little brick house never looked so wonderful or felt so cozy.

The week-long feud with our furnace made me think of the following passage from Philippians 4:12:  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  As I grew more and more anxious to return home, my mind kept coming back to these words.  Even though being away from our house, our belongings, and most significantly, our routine made me antsy and (according to my hubby) grumpy, the big lesson was not lost on me.  My contentment cannot come from the things we have or the lifestyle we live.  These things are temporary.  Love–God’s Love but also the truest love of my family–is lasting.  As long as I have those things, I can be content.

(The photo is from my aunt & uncle’s kitchen.  Thanks for the nice visit!)