I was going to write a post about styling sofa pillows, choosing a classic backsplash, or how to decide on which kitchen counters are right for you.
But I’m not.
I’m just going to write what’s on my heart today. And for some reason, my heart is hurting. This morning, I stumbled upon a new account on instagram. After scrolling through her gorgeous feed, I soon had tears streaming down my cheeks.
You see, this girl had everything I wanted. The most perfectly built farmhouse you’ve ever seen. Gorgeous hardwood floors – in my favorite shade. Timeless 2 over 2 wood clad windows and double entry wooden doors – the exact doors I would choose. Perfectly designed kitchen flowing into a beautifully styled family room filled with natural light. Loads of white paint and shiplap.
Everything was just so incredibly perfect. And it made me sad.
It has always been my dream to build a farmhouse just like hers, but God told me NO.
So now my design lovin’ self sits here in this tiny nondescript ranch waiting, and hoping, and heart hurting.
and feeling sorry for myself.
and having God open my eyes.
while I might be envious of that gorgeous perfectly built farmhouse, someone else might be envious of ME.
Someone with cancer might be wishing they had enough energy to go to their kid’s soccer game. Someone with little money to pay for groceries might be watching me as I go zooming through the grocery store nonchalantly throwing items in my cart. Someone wishing desperately for a child of their own might watch my kids play on the playground with an ache in their heart.
I think God is trying to tell me something.
We all have our own burdens to bear. Our hearts can hurt for different reasons, but He knows this and He hears our prayers as we cry out to Him. But He also wants us to be grateful. Grateful for things we sometimes take for granted.
So Lord, help me be grateful for this roof over my head. Even though it’s not perfect. Even though it’s not where I want to be. Help me to be aware of others’ burdens, to be your hands and feet.
Help me to give you glory, even when my heart hurts.
Checking in on your heart today. How’s it doing? It’s always good to get gentle reminders for us to be joyful with all of God’s gifts to us, little and small.
thank you, Michelle! My heart is filled with peace today 🙂 Trying to be thankful for everything and leave the rest up to God!
Christy,
Just stumbled on your blog. To me, there is not such thing as “luck” but I call it “God Blessings”. As I was reading your “Heart Hurts”, I’m sitting at my desk trying to hold in the tears. I didn’t know just how much one heart can hurt.
Thank you for your spiritual and emotional insights. I know God will put me where I need to be, just need to get out of this “hole”. It was a ray of sunshine I really needed today. 🙂
I am wanting to eventually renovate a fixer-upper one day myself, and your website is just what the dr. ordered!!!
Blessings
oh thank you so much for this, Tracie! Comments like yours just make my heart SO HAPPY, knowing that God is using this little ol’ blog to reach people! I definitely agree – there is no luck, only God Blessings! Love that! Believe me, I have been in that same “hole” for the past 5 years or so. It is SO hard climbing out of a rut. I was so stuck – just trying to get through each day and not wanting to try anything new or reach for that happiness I so desperately wanted. But God gently reminded me that life is too short to be complacent and just tread water. He doesn’t want that for us. He doesn’t want us to just survive – He wants us to THRIVE! So I encourage you to reach out and go for it! xoxo
Yes, so true. God has a Plan…and it’s always good. We just don’t know what it is sometimes….till He reveals it to us. 😉
Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice! (remember that kid’s Sunday school song?)
thank you so much for your comment Connie! It encourages my heart to hear from readers and know that others understand and can relate. I love remembering my old Sunday School songs – thanks for the reminder!
This post is what I needed today! You spoke to my heart. I have much to be grateful for God has a plan for me I will be patient and grateful.
thank you Heather! I really appreciate your comment. It’s amazing and humbling that God is using this little ol’ blog to speak to people. I truly have SO much to be thankful for too 🙂