With no permanent residence, the last 2-3 weeks have been
quite the adventure for me and Jordan. I would be lying if I said it was all
fun and easy! Several times we have expressed our frustration with the
situation. “We are so tired of lugging our suitcases around everywhere” “We are
so tired of eating out” “We are so tired of unloading and repacking every night
or two” Complaint, complaint, complaint…
After visiting with a good customer and friend at work
yesterday, I began to have a different outlook on our current situation. As she
was shopping, we started visiting about the holidays and about the pillows her
mother in law had previously purchased from us for her birthday. She mentioned
using them in her guest room, and I told her we are getting a new house and I
thought that would be a great idea for our new guest room as well! Turns out,
she and her husband are in the same situation as Jordan and I. As we continued
discussing the similarities of houses we had looked at, places we are staying,
and so on, she said something that made me stop in my tracks. She mentioned
that throughout this time period, they have really become so grateful for the
things they do have and less concerned with material blessings. (They, also,
have nearly all of their belongings in storage and have been living with the “bare
minimum”.) In more or less words, as her eyes began to water, she told me how
she really felt that they needed this time to get their priorities straight in
life and to realize the things that are most important. Eventually, our
conversation came to a close, we wished each other well, and she went on her
way. The rest of the night, this conversation ran through my head. How terrible
of an attitude I have had! Don’t get me wrong, I am so grateful for all of
those who have housed and fed us and am so excited to get to move into a new
house, but all the while we have been waiting, my attitude has not proved to be
one of thanksgiving. Life really could be a lot worse and more difficult for us
than it is!
Each year at Christmas, Jordan and I have a tradition of giving each other one ornament. We carefully choose which ornament to give to one another, whether it be a silly ornament or a "meaningful" ornament. This year Jordan made me the best ornament yet! He made a wooden house and wrote several things on it, including our new address. One thing he wrote, though, really stuck out: "Our first house, but not our first HOME". All of the actual structure, furniture, decor, etc make a house, but love and family make a HOME. I have realized that the old saying is true "Home is where your heart is". Although we don't have a house right now we have many homes (time share, friends houses, families houses, etc). And we will always have many homes as our hearts will always be in Yoakum and in Dripping, but OUR home is wherever we are together! (if I had the ornament with me, I would add a picture. Maybe some day I will get it up here!) :)
With running a business, I encounter so many people on a day
to day basis. I often wonder what I can do to influence their lives for the
better. In the meantime, this customer in particular, has influenced my life
for the better! So grateful for her and all the sweet people we have met
throughout the past 3 years with the store. I pray that I always portray a
Christ-like attitude that will encourage our customers and all those I
encounter. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may
see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” Matthew 5:16
I resolve to see my “cup” as half full rather than half
empty this year. “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice” Phil. 4:4
Who knew a conversation about these pillows could turn in to so much?!
