The Things of This Earth

Today, my hubby and I stopped at an estate sale. I've never been to one before, at least one that I can remember, and it seemed like something fun to do on a rainy Saturday afternoon. So, we parked along with all the other cars on the street and walked up to the house.

It was a nice, big, older home. One you could imagine an couple growing old, raising children, keeping grandchildren, and hosting family gatherings in. My guess was that the elderly husband had died a while back, and that the wife had passed away recently.

As we walked from room to room, it suddenly hit me how sad it was, though. Here was someone's home, where thousands of memories had been made, and it was now being sold, lock, stock and barrel, to the highest bidder.

Where was their family, I wondered, as I browsed the beautiful crystal, holiday platters, and silverware. Why wouldn't their children or grandchildren what these things?

Perhaps they had already gone through it all and picked out what they wanted to keep. Or maybe this couples died alone, with no family to pass their belongings on to.

It made me realize how fleeting all those things in my own house are. Certainly, they are nice when you're alive to enjoy them, and some things can go a long way in making great, beautiful memories. But, really, how much of the stuff in my house would future children and grandchildren really want?

I wasn't cured of buying things - I bought a set of bunt pans, a jello mold (those things are near impossible to find these days), and a Thanksgiving decoration. But, it did slightly sober my day and make me want to enjoy everything and everyone in my life a little more than normal.

"Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear." Matthew 24:35

My New Addiction

I have a new addiction - planting. When I feel the warm sun on my face and that smell that spring scent in the air, I just have this almost uncontrollable urge to go to my nearest flower nursery and buy as many plants and flowers as my car will hold.

Now, I have shown considerable constraint.

I haven't gotten anywhere near what I want in order to fully landscape my front yard, and my back yard is going to take years to sculpt into what I've imagine. But, I have determined that buying gardening items is just as fun as shopping for clothes!

Shocking I know!

I can't even come close to imagining what it was like for God to create our world, but I have a small inkling of it whenever I plant a bush or put flowers in a pot.

What joy it must have brought him to sculpt and paint the roses, design the tall firs and maples, and texture the blades of grass.

I only know what enjoyment I get out of combining the plants He's already created into a beautiful arrangement - and how I feel when it is complete, and I call it good.

What a great and wonderful God we have who would call us better than all the pretty flowers and beautiful landscape. Who would create us in His own image - that we might fellowship with Him, and bring Him his greatest joy!

A Juggling Act

So, lately I feel that I've been letting some balls drop, in particular keeping up on Facebook, posting on my wee blog, and staying in contact with friends in general. I just seems like I can't do everything I'm supposed to do.

Instead, I've been managing to cook more, exercise more, keep up with chores, and spend a few minutes relaxing each night before bed. Yet, while those are great things, I feel bad about all the things I'm not getting done.

I'm also continually reminding myself of the fact that I once was able to keep it all together. Exercising regularly. Eating right. Meeting and talking with friends. Doing Bible studies. Having a regular, lengthy quiet time. Giving myself manicures and pedicures. Laying in bed and just listening to music. Watching my favorite movies over and over again. And still managing to do school.

I just can't do it all anymore...even thought I try with all my might and try to act like I have it all together. And every day, more and more, I'm realizing that it's only going to get worse. A baby will only make it harder. Another baby will make it near impossible. And once I reach the homeschooling phase...well, I will only make by God's grace.

Of course, I guess that's how I've always made it. Not by my own power, but by His. So, I guess I'll keep doing my best and rely on Him for the rest. Thank goodness His shoulders can carry me and my burdens too.