Living Joyfully--When Little Things Get in the Way...

I enjoy watching house hunting shows on occasion, though I must admit they sometimes often irritate me. A lot. Comments like "This kitchen is a deal breaker. It has the wrong granite," or "I can't use a bathroom that doesn't have two sinks," or "This walk-in closet won't fit all my clothes," really get on my nerves. It seems we struggle a lot with the difference between "need" and "want" in this country, and many things that would be considered luxuries around the world we take for granted as necessities. This mentality of always "needing" will rob our joy and keep us from counting the many blessings we do have.

Which brings us back to What Really Matters? Hint: it's not about having the newest, shiniest, most advanced gadgets, or the most updated kitchen, or the nicest car. These are merely conveniences. In many parts of the world, having running water would be considered a life-changing luxury. Here, our whole day is ruined if our internet is down. Think about that. What matters is not stuff. It's the people around us, our relationships, and the impact we have on others.

Next time you feel inconvenienced because you have to start dinner, be grateful you have food in your home. Or when you want to scream because your childrens' toys are strewn everywhere around the house, give thanks they are healthy and safe. When someone drags dirty shoes onto your carpet, be thankful you have a roof over your head.

We should never give the little things in life the power to overshadow the big things--all our blessings.