having it all

Today is the last full day of school.  Tomorrow, they have just two hours and we're done!  Such excitement around our home! 

This morning, for me, not so much excitement.  In about two hours, Denise is flying to New York City without me.  She'll visit her son, see all of the sights, shop, eat and play nonstop for five days. This was the trip that we've been planning together for almost two years.  A few months ago, shortly after Denise's parents passed away, her sister and niece decided that they wanted to go too.   Upon that announcement, I decided that it should be a family thing for them. When I told Denise that I wouldn't be going, she was disappointed about my decision and has let me know every single time that the trip has come up since then.  When we went to lunch yesterday, we both had tears because we weren't going together.  I'm disappointed too.  BUT.  I'm thrilled for her!  She will have so much fun visiting her son and seeing the city of my dreams! 

When Doug and I were talking about it last night, he decided that he wants to take me.  Part of my dream trip is to ride a helicopter over the city.  (That will cross off two things on my bucket list at once!) I think that's what sounds so inviting to him because NYC is the last place on earth that Doug will love.  (Put Doug on the ranch and the man is happy!)  However, he loves helicopters!  So, we decided that we will save our pennies for this trip together.  However, it will come after we've taken the babes on their dream trip ~ Disney World.  So.  I hope that I live long enough to do both!  ha!  Oh the sacrifices we make for our kids!  ;)

So, today, I'm celebrating for Denise. We talked this morning and I shared that I'd already prayed for her safety and fun and that I am genuinely happy for her.  It's strange.  I'm  really not jealous because I'm so excited for her.  In thinking about that, I decided that this is a sign of true and genuine love...being happy for her instead of sad for me.  Cool beans!

I have an acquaintance that is quite openly envious of others when they get or have something that they don't...to the point that it's not flattering at all.  This person will say out loud and publicly,  "Why do they have all the luck... get to do this or that...have this or that!?"  I feel bad for this person because they are never happy with what they have.  In my opinion, they have plenty, so they shouldn't be so petty and especially out loud. 

I have another friend who, when she loves something that belongs to someone else, she'll say, "I want just like that one and for you to have one that's even better!"  I love that attitude.  A little envy, but it's generous.  ;)

One of our little family jokes is that we discover something that we reeeeeaaallllly are excited about, we will say out loud, "Covet, covet, want, want."  What it means is that we love it!  I have a niece who says to her children, "You git what you git and you don't throw a fit!"  I have shared that with a few friends and now their kids recite it.  Too cute.

We allcan't have it all!  Even Oprah can't have it all!  Her beautiful California home was toured on the Nate Berkus show yesterday.  She took Nate out to a little (to her) rock "teahouse" that was absolutely breathtaking.  Surrounded by beautiful gardens and atriums, she uses this house as her zen place, to meditate, read, have happy encounters with others.  Only positive feelings enter this house.  "How would it be!" crossed my mind, thinking about all of Oprah's gazillions. 

And then my mind went to thoughts of sleeping in our backyard in our tent with the babes, the memories that the bigs and the babes have of the many trips to the ranch, dogpiles on daddy, Doug's nightly foot rubs, thousands of card games played, walks in the mountains... all things that don't cost a dime.  I thought about my home, which I love, but it would fit inside Oprah's little zen room.  But, I've got something that she doesn't.  I've got six beautiful children and a husband that treats me with love and respect and kindness.  I've got a testimony of Christ.  I've got friends and extended family that matter so much.  Like I said... we all can't have it all.

  As I watched, I was intrigued by the concept.  Only happy thoughts enter this home.   I love that!  I think we'll work on that one even more!

 
I think of my friend Erin's quote board, one of the few things that were salvaged when her home was completely destroyed by an F-5 tornado in Iowa.  She and her husband and their two children and one on the way were alive, together, safe when this was over.  Her sign says, "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all."  Could that not be more perfectly appropriate for their situation?  For us all?

I'm reminded that, regardless of the "covet, covet, want, want", " you git what you git and you don't throw a fit!  In other words, appreciate and focus on what we do have instead of what we don't.   Or in other words, Count your many blessings.  Enough said.  Life is good.

Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own.

 

Comments

[Nicole]

Love your positive thoughts. I have to learn to be more like you, I tend to forget my blessings and think of all the stuff I don't have and want.

[stevie]

Love that, only positive thoughts enter this house. I think I need to make a block with that quote! Have a wonderful day!!!

[Melanie]

My childrens preschool teacher, the beloved & adored, Mrs.Kofoed, used to say the same thing & it became the happy little mantra shared in happy little voices. Loved it, love her!

I have a saying in my home that says "Our attitude towards life determines life's attitude toward us". I have found it to be so true, if we approach life with a hopeful & happy heart, we are bound to find the good. One of my dearest friends has had a very hard life but she cannot see how her bitterness & anger continue to hold her heart imprisoned from the joyful possibilities that lie before her. I love her, but sometimes its exhausting. I just keep praying that someday she will make that courageous first step into the light of hope & allow its warmth to fill her soul.

[Debra Guerrero]

My favorite quote is " true happiness is wanting what you have, not having what you want"

[Trish]

OooH! and your little list of the things you have that Oprah doesn't reminded me of the Facebook posting from my dad's pastor's wife on the day of the last show. She said she loved Oprah and watched for years, but that as she reflected on the ending of the show and all the millions Oprah had reached she just imagined how many Oprah could have reached for Christ if she had used her power for such goodness. Interesting thought :)

[Trish]

I am so stealing that little gem for Raegan- you git what you git and you don't throw a fit! Love it!!!