After posting on Tuesday about my office space being functional, but not beautiful, I realized how that statement might have come across as ungrateful. I want to express thanksgiving in all aspects of my life--thus the blog name, "Thankful Me." So, this post will delve a bit into the idea of daily gratitude and how we can avoid discontentment.
When I wrote the "not beautiful" line, I was thinking about other blogs (comparison--I should know better!) which show dramatic transformations; clever uses of everyday items; or quick and simple ways to bring beauty into a room. None of those examples seemed to apply to my spot. I did not see anything for my camera to zoom in on to show readers. So, I declared the space not beautiful.
However, I actually smile when I look at that corner. My clean work area brings a calm feeling to my soul. I am fortunate to have a dedicated area to complete paperwork.
I think that gratitude comes when we are content, and when we realize the difference between wants and needs. It seems to be human nature to become used to whatever creature comforts we have, and then, if we find ourselves without them, to feel deprived. How many times have you heard the question, "What did we ever do before . . . (microwaves, cell phones, GPS, . . .)?" It's almost as if we would have no idea how to function without whatever it is.
If we were completely honest with ourselves, we would realize that our basic needs are just that--basic. I have food, water, and shelter. What more do I need? And yet, I have so much more than that. I don't need to comment on how something is not perfect, or is lacking in some way.
Of course, the creative side of me enjoys home improvement and craft projects, and I don't think that is inherently wrong. The problem comes if I think I need the change, or if I view the current state of my home as somehow not good enough. I do not need to change anything about my house; it is more than adequate as is.
Have you ever heard someone complain about something which you thought was just fine? I remember hearing women talk about ripping up tile flooring to put down something else--laminate, perhaps. At the time, I had just moved from a fairly humble little town. I'm pretty sure that if tile flooring had been mentioned there, it would have been with excitement for such a durable flooring material. I found myself learning that society apparently wanted me to be unsatisfied with a perfectly good material.
I needed to be reminded of that experience. I'm afraid I came across as those women did to me--complaining about something that didn't deserve complaint.
Would you like to join me up on this soapbox? What are you thoughts about wants, needs, and gratitude? I'd love to hear your comments!
Thanks for needs that are met, and so many wants that are granted. 
I agree 100% with you Kristi! I have known many women who had to change their 'flooring' just because they wanted the new and 'in' style RIGHT NOW! I could just never figure that out. Sure I would love to have new flooring, new furniture etc but mine if fine. It's functional, it is in still pretty good shape, I would rather bank the money used to buy new into an account where I can keep it safe in times of an emergency. I love your blog. I love your blog because you are real. There are many blogs out there that are wonderful eye candy but REALLY, really do their homes look like that? and where does all the money come from to keep decorating it like some of them do? It so baffles me. So even though I enjoy some eye candy once in a while, I would much rather read a blog like yours...wonderful, warm people who glorify the Lord and are appreciative for the things they have. Great topic and I hope I didn't yak, yak too much! LOL Have a blessed day Kristi!
ReplyDeleteI agree completely.
ReplyDeleteSome of my friends are puzzled why I don't knit lacy shawls and lacy socks. The shawls and socks they knit are gorgeous and so delicate. Of course, I could knit those items, too, but frankly, I prefer to knit practical items: items that will keep someone warm, items that I call utilitarian - simple yet functional. After all, a simple shawl does not have to be babied but can be used everyday; a simple sock will warm a cold foot more than one filled with lacy holes.
My husband and I use to rent a small home in a wealthy ward. I had a very hard time going visiting teaching because the ladies I visited had elaborate homes.
ReplyDeleteWe eventually bought our own home and moved into a neighborhood/ward that is more modest. Looking back, I don't think I was jealous, but bothered that these women seemed to have nothing to talk about except material things and going on cruises. I am just grateful to have a home I can call my own after renting for years and years.
Oh!...and I am grateful every night to sleep in my own bed and not by my child's side in a hospital. Been there, done that too many times.
Kristi you didn't come across as ungrateful to me but just as stating a fact, your office area is simple and functional - period. Most of the time society does not appreciate simple and functional but glorifies the embellished. While some bling is nice once in a while like a too rich diet it's bad for the heart. We all need to take a step back as individuals and as a society and remember what really matters in life. No one and I do mean no one wishes for a hug and kiss from a floor on their death bed no matter how shiny and perfect!
ReplyDeleteCould write a whole evening on how I get ticked off by those kind of people; only seeing what they want next, no matter if they need it or not.... New model Iphone? New model flat screen?? BUY!! What's wrong with using something as long as it will work?! I have my first mobile still. Doesn't do anything but work as a phone. I think I can text with it, but I never do. During this trip we're on, we stay in budget motels. A bed and a shower is the only 'must', all the rest is extra. Nothing wrong with that, is it? Our society is throwing away far too much! Food, clothing, shoes... EVerything!!! Terrible.... Just like Debbie I love finding those 'throw away items' that are perfectly fine and functional. Love to give them a new life. Wished more people thought like that....
ReplyDeleteI admit I'm never grateful enough. I love your blog because you think to be grateful everyday. It makes me think about things to be grateful for. I'm always in awe at your gratitude.
ReplyDelete