perspective

I've been discovering a refreshing new perspective these last few weeks. Being displaced from our rental and trying to find a new place to live has taught me a few things.

1. I don't need 85% of my stuff. We piled up all our belongings in the garage and moved into two bedrooms at my parents house in January. I have not needed any of those things for 5 months.

2. Our life's purpose is to serve God here in Southern California where He has called us. Our life's purpose is not to accumulate things for ourselves, or even to have a comfortable, status quo life for that matter. That said, God has been so faithful and constantly amazes us with how He provides for our needs.

3. Jesus is my refuge. A handful of times during the past few months I've gotten disappointed with the way the home search was going. This was supposed to be our chance to buy. When that dream slipped away due to a market low in inventory and heavy in investors, we switched gears and started searching for a rental. It seemed like it took forever. We need a yard, laundry, accessible parking, etc. and we need it about $300 cheaper than most rentals were being offered. It was easy to feel disappointed, frustrated, and impatient with the process. My parents house is huge, it's like a resort, actually, and we were able to save so much money living there. Not to mention it being so helpful to have Grandparents around this frazzled pregnant Mom! But, a family needs to be a family; and with the new baby coming, my timeline for transitioning the kids with a move was stressing me out. I slowly gave all of these emotions over to God in prayer and He eventually spoke through my bad attitude. I am where you live. He gave me this verse.

What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. 

A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

Psalm 84:4, 10-11

We found a rental and moved in this week. And I am determined to get rid of everything we come across that we don't regularly use or need. I am convinced that excess is stressful. Less truly is more, it simplifies life. I am also convinced that to maintain a peaceful atmosphere at home, I have to remember every day that Jesus is where I live. If I am abiding in Him, I have everything. More than I could ever think to ask for, more than I'll ever realize I need.