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| image courtesy photobucket.com |
It wasn’t much, but it was to be our new home!!
“Yes, we will take it, and it will do fine!” My soon-to-be husband handed the landlady $10 for the first week’s rent.
This tiny one-room, embracing a wall-bed, a small kitchen and shared bath was to be our new home for the next few months. I was so excited then, but thinking back now it makes me chuckle.
I remember our next apartment seemed like a mansion to me! Two flights of stairs leading to a place to call home. Now we had our own private bathroom, a large living room, a separate bedroom and a small kitchen.
This apartment had everything! It even included a laundry room in the basement with a coin-operated wringer washing machine!
Convenience was everywhere! To dry our clothes all we had to do was step outside the washroom door, hang them on the clotheslines, and the wind would whip them dry! Yes, we were moving on up.
Since that time, we have lived in larger grander apartments and in luxurious houses. More humble abodes have also included a camper trailer and mobile homes. No matter where I found myself I was happy in every one of those places. It was not because of a fine residence, but because I chose to be happy.
Living in a million dollar house does not bring you happiness. Happiness is a learned choice. Being happy, regardless of your situation is absolutely and undeniably a decision.
Learning to hold our belongings with a hand that is open not clutching or grasping brings peace and builds our faith in the Lord. Hold lightly the things that are seen. It is those things that are not seen that are the most valuable!
In the book of Revelation is says; “Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and don’t know that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:.”
One day, we will leave our homes, beautiful or wretched as they may be, and we will be called to Move on up to a higher place to live.
Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you and where I am there you will be also.”
Isn’t that great? No matter what your present living quarters are like now, in the near future we will be “Moving on UP” to a better place that God is building for us!
This post is linked with the One Word Carnival, The word is MUCH
Also linked with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday
12 comments:
Me too had lived in different homes. Home made of bamboos and palm leaves, apartment from small to bigger ones and now having a home that is big enough for us three in the house. But what I am looking forward to is my home to be in heaven. God is good:)
What a great reminder that happiness isn't dependent on circumstances. I was right behind you on Winsome Wednesdays and my title was "little...it's getting louder!" so I think that's cool! Thanks for your wisdom!
Michelle
Such a wonderful thought!
Glad to find your blog! =)
Thanks for stopping by btw, following you back! =)
I remember being a lot happier in a smaller place. We had less stuff. We had less to clean. We had more time to just be.
(Do you suppose there will be cleaning ladies in heaven?)
Your post is a lovely example of Paul's words in Philippians 4. "I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances . . ."
It is all about perspective for sure. When things get tough in this life, which they always do, I have to remind myself of our Father's promise of food and shelter. The things of this earth are misleading and can be a trap. I need a good reminder once and a while... Thanks for this one. I'm listening....
Contentment is such a wonderful feeling.
Vicki K
The choice to be happy is really up to us. At the end of the day, we are the sole creators of life.
Hi Hazel - We have moved a lot over the years but I have always said to my kids "home is where the family is" and more importantly, home is anywhere God is. Great post
God bless
Tracy
All I can say is Amen. Tweeted this out for you. Thanks for visiting and linking up on Friends-day!!
I sometimes just let my mind wander around heaven, looking for my home. [Not often, really, but on my heart!] Have lived in tiny apts, small homes, large apts, large homes [the largest and smallest homes were in Uganda]. I don't really care re: the size. But sure want it to be where the Lord is "living", too. W/o Him, nothing counts.
Love this post, how true your message is!
It brought back memories from our first apartment. SMALL! Our son was born there. It was small and antiquated. You should have seen the bathroom! Small and old isn't the word! But, I treasure the memories I have of that apartment and the beginning of our lives together there.
Thanks for the memory, Hazel!
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