From one man he made every nation of men,
that they should inhabit the whole earth;
and he determined the times set for them
and the exact places where they should live.
Acts 17:26
My husband and I are currently renting an old but charming apartment in a home. My husband's brother and his wife (Kate, who also happens to be one of my closest friends) live below us. We are working hard to live and save for a down payment on a limited budget. We are trying to avoid getting caught up in the housing mess and debt/mortgage crisis. We are sacrificing to live on one income so that I can be at home to raise my children.
Yet, Cory and I long to live in the country. Close to family and friends. Surrounded by fields and trees and the wild. Space to let our little boy roam, build tree forts, and hunt frogs. Room to grow food and animals and to work the land God has created. A spot for a clothesline.
Sometimes I'm not content in this place God has given me. Sometimes I'm covetous as I watch others around me purchase their first home.
Then I remember how richly I am blessed. How God has blessed us with a rental that is an amazing deal. That we have a cozy apartment. That we have a large bedroom, a cozy nursery, a finished attic (which serves as an office, storage and even future bedroom space). I have a beautiful front south facing living room with large green trees (a luxury in the city). We live a few steps from the Historic Rideau Canal - which becomes the world's largest skating rink in the winter and is beautiful for walks, biking, and runs the rest of the year. If I walk North along the canal I end up in the clean and busy downtown of our Nation's Capital. If I walk South I end up along lovely parks (that host such things as the Tulip Festival). We have dear loved ones living below us.
Because of this apartment. . .
I can walk to do groceries
I can easily get to specialty stores only found in the city
I can skate in the winter
I can skate in the winter
I get to be part of my sister in law's daily life
I get to learn the value of hard work
I can enjoy frugal luxuries
I can appreciate everything homemade
I get to learn to make do, or do without
I am learning patience
I get to build something wonderful alongside my husband
I get to stay home with my son (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
I am learning contentedness
I get to see God use our humble dwelling
Susan Hunt says it best, in regards to the scripture above "He designed the exact set of circumstances through which we are living at any given moment. This is the place, the time, and the situation that God wants me to use for His glory. This is so exciting and so liberating! Seeing life from this faith perspective removes the hindrances of self-pity and boredom."
7 comments:
Being able to just BE with Henry makes it all worthwhile. Not to mention that you are doing so very well where you are!
Love you
Mom
I love this post. I'm a web journal friend of your Mom's. Sounds like you are really grounded. I'm totally impressed. I wish I had known-- in my 20's--what you know---Hang in there....
Everything you listed is so true, but staying home with Henry would be worth living in a box!!! There is a place in the country with land and animals in your future. Right now, you are where you are suppose to be! Contentment is so much more valuable than "happy". Happiness is dependent upon our surroundings and other people...contentment is yours no matter what is going on around you! You are a wise little girl!
Hi There;
Every now and then I read your moms blog and this is how I came across yours. Sometimes sacrificing is hard, but so worth it, when you can stay home and raise your son. I have 3 kids; 14;12; and 11. I too have sacrificed, to be able to stay at home, but all though they can drive me insane. it is so worth it. When the time is right you will have your dream come true. I also do not live that far from the nations capital, have you heard of Hudson Quebec? Have agreat day:)
I know exactly what you are saying. Like Rich Ganz said so often not too long ago, live in the now. We so often live in the future with our hopes and our dreams that we can lose out on the here and now. I find it hard sometimes to have a baby on the way and only one bedroom. "Dave are you gonna call those people about the possible house?..."
Mom, Bren and Screen Door - thanks for the encouragement. As I walked around tonight I thought how blessed I was to live where I do. I love our neighbourhood!
Alexia - I have definitely heard of Hudson. The church where I worship has a sister church there!http://pages.zid.com/~cjmiller/ Very neat that you're so close!!
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