Embracing Contentment: Choosing Joy Over Dreams of a Bigger Home

Daydreaming of a Large Home Has Been Stealing my Joy Now

I've been daydreaming about a big house with a huge yard for so long. I imagine my kids running around without a care in the world, having a blast. I picture them dancing in the falling leaves, free from busy streets and nosy neighbors. In my mind, it's pure perfection, and I've convinced myself that this dream home would solve all my problems.

But you know what? It won't. All the bickering between the kids, their whining, and the fights over chores will just come along with us to that big house. Our sweet but demanding little one will be there too, and trust me, she won't magically change just because we're in a new place. Sure, some issues might get resolved, like hosting get-togethers (which I love) and having all my kids' friends over at once to play (a total blast), but new challenges will pop up too.

Living on a big property might mean our kids' buddies can't just swing by because we're too far away. A bigger house and property also come with more responsibilities, and my husband might have to spend more time on maintenance, leaving less time for the kids. There might be some trade-offs, but that's the thing – there's always a trade-off.

People like me, who have vivid imaginations, often end up missing out on the great things right in front of us by dreaming about a perfect future. We unintentionally wish away the blessings we have today and end up stuck in a sort of in-between state.

Choosing to Love Our Small Home

So, here's my choice, and I'll keep making it, especially when I start daydreaming – I choose to be joyful right now. I'm super grateful for our family of seven living in a cozy 1020 sqft home (yes, my kitchen's almost a closet). We do have a finished basement, but for seven people, it's pretty small. But you know what? We're happy here. It's close to my husband's work, and we've decided that's a priority. Our kids can walk to school, and all their friends live right around the corner. It takes a bit of creativity to make it work, but that's okay.

I'm not going to wish for something more anymore. I've got everything I need right here in front of me. As I write and reflect, I'm realizing that even in less-than-ideal situations, you can be full of joy – it's all about how you look at it. The Lord is gently teaching me that there's a field full of goodness right here; I just need to open my eyes to it. So, keep asking Him to fill you with His Spirit, because when it overflows, it's a bumper harvest of joy. 🏡❤️🌾 #LovingWhatWeHave #CherishTheMoment #OverflowingJoy