Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Are Things Ever 'Just Right'?
Everyone knows the story of Goldilocks and the three bears. One bowl of porridge was too hot, one was too cold, and one was just right.
However, in life, it seems that things are never 'just right'. How many days of the year do we go outside and say, "Ah, the weather is just right today!"? A few maybe, but not very many.
When I worked at a gas station, the most common complaint I would hear from people who were coming in during the summer was: "It's too hot!" A few months later, during the winter people would come in and complain that it was now "Too cold!" Very rarely did anyone say, "Ah, the weather is just right today. I'm so glad that I went outside!"
I'm not exempt from this attitude either. When we moved into our new apartment on the second floor, we found out that we didn't have air conditioning. Luckily for us, heat rises, so it has been a very hot summer. We bought a few fans and our bedroom has been livable, but it has been difficult. Often our apartment is too hot, and we are constantly wishing that the fall months will come quickly.
However, just this week the weather took a turn for the cooler, and though I'm enjoying being outside in the cool weather, our bedroom has become too cold! We've had to turn off the fan for fear of being frozen out! Suddenly, I'm remembering why I like summer so much more than winter. I HATE being cold!
I too often find myself saying things like: "When this happens, we'll be happy." "When we graduate, things will be better." "When we get a full-time job, things will be easier."
That isn't usually the case though. When we do get those things, they usually come with their own version of trials, and things are equally, if not more, difficult.
A while ago, one of our leaders gave a talk that was called, "Finding Joy in the Journey." Click on the link to read it, I'd highly recommend it. It addressed the fact that we need to be happy wherever we are, and find things that are 'just right' right now.
So, here goes my list of 'just rights':
Right now, my husband's job is just right for us.
Right now, my baby is just the right age.
Right now, we have just hte right number of kids.
Right now, we have just the right number of pets.
Right now, we are living in just the right place.
Right now, we have just the right amount of money.
Right now, we are just right in our marriage.
Right now, I am just right in my relationship with our Lord.
That doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement in these things, but I know that as we are trying our best, we can enjoy where we are, even as we improve.
Take time out of your day. Enjoy the little things. Look around for small tender mercies from the Lord. Admire the beauty of the clouds. Enjoy having kids that mess up your house. Enjoy having people to eat with that make dirty dishes. Enjoy being loved by your family and friends.
Yes, things will change in time, but when they do, we can always find more things that are 'just right' with our lives. As we do, we'll be happier now and less stressed about the future.
What are some things in your life that are 'just right'?
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This is a beautiful reminder. I think we can always find reasons to be unhappy no matter what we have -- but happiness is definitely a choice.
ReplyDeleteJust today, Havelockspa was saying the weather is just about perfect! He loves the Fall! You're right, it's good to find things to be happy about right when and where we are. "Bloom where you're planted."
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