Friday, March 4, 2011

Contentment

I'm going to use these pictures of open-shelving in kitchens as a platform for many random thoughts about life. I love visiting design sites for inspiration. All these pictures are from Poppytalk, a Vancouver based design site which is well worth-checking out for beautiful things. Using open-shelving seems like a great way to save money when renovating a kitchen. Of course all your dishware has to be beautiful and organized. When I mentioned the idea to Ben he said we'd have to get rid of a lot of ugly stuff. Then there's also the fact that we rent and are not renovating our kitchen. That doesn't stop me from dreaming. 


There are many things I want in life. I want to own a house, get my hair cut and dyed on a regular basis, go on exotic vacations, and be comfortable all the time. 


What I'm realizing is that want is so trivial because it is often equated with this notion that I deserve these luxuries. How can I assume that I deserve something when so much of the world lives in abject misery? How can I not be thankful for what I have?


All my basic needs are met times 10. I have food, shelter and clothing. I sometimes complain about living in an old, Vancouver character home that is seriously showing its age. Then my lovely friends remind me that our place is a welcoming, warm haven for them to come to. They feel safe, loved and cared for in our home. Money can't buy that. 


When I make a list of all the things I want I feel great freedom when I mentally take that list and burn it up. It's okay to want things, but not if I become a slave to them. This happens so easily and want soon becomes confused with need. 


So whenever I post beautiful, lovely things on elasticpantcity, I have to remind myself to appreciate ingenuity in design, art and culture, but not to covet. 


I am content.




Are you?

3 comments:

  1. Beautiful post. Thank you.

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  2. We live in such a small small world with such big big blessings. I found your blog through a friends blog roll. I go to Calvary in Coquitlam. Then I found an American Girl living in Canada on her roll as well and...my friend grew up with Stacy's Husband Kevin who was the best man at the wedding of Amanda and Clarence. Then when I went to make this comment...I see a comment from Marta Taylor...she worked at my childcare center about 7 years ago and I still keep in touch with her...Are you as amazed as I am with how God works these miracles...so amazing. I love seeing your photos and reading your words. God has blessed me through them. Keep it up, I LOVE IT. Love your style and your honesty and wanted to share that with you.

    Sheri

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  3. This is so beautiful; I love interior design posts so so much.

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