We tend to put a little more effort into weekend breakfasts. Pancakes and sausage. Eggs, bacon, and toast (with sliced tomatoes in the summer!). French toast. Gravy.
Often, when I’m on kitchen duty, my husband will prep for me while I walk the dog. He’ll set the table, get out pots and pans, set out ingredients–that sort of thing. And this past Sunday, as I reached for silverware, I saw that I had done it again.
I had completely missed the set table and started to do it myself.
I jumped ahead to what I thought I needed instead of taking stock of what I actually needed. I’d walked all over the kitchen and failed to see what was right there in front of me.
Which got me to thinking about what I else I think I need.
- Do I need a new pair of gloves to match my winter coat? Or is it just something that caught my eye?
- Do I need to go to the grocery store? Or should I get creative with what’s in the pantry?
- Do I need a night out? Or would curling up on the sofa to watch a movie and eat popcorn with my husband be just as satisfying?
- Do I need a vacation? Or do I just need to say “no” the next time someone asks me to take on another project?
I’m focusing on Philippians 4:8 for Lent. The word I’ve spent time with the past five days has been “true.” I’ve realized what’s true is often pretty simple. And often a lot more obvious than I want to admit.
When I get flustered, overwhelmed, or just so preoccupied I forget to be aware of the many blessings surrounding me, all I have to do is stop and ask myself: In this moment, what is true?
The truth is I’m blessed beyond measure.
I’ve heard a lot of good sermons/lessons about need vs want over the years and still find it hard to discern. Spending week(s) not leaving the house due to weather and/or health issues, I have learned that we spend a lot less staying home!
Ain’t that the truth!
Wheww…. your thoughts are my life lesson….. use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without….when I say that mantra it gives me enough time to separate impulse from need….
PS I loved your False Spring poem… I used it for devotion at my Feb. Circle meeting.
Wow–I’m honored you used my poem! That’s so cool!
Ohhh, this is SO true!! We’re at that “need vs REALLY need” point. Finances are insane and the US dollar is getting farther our of reach. And which couple has 5 trips between them this year?
God is using this time to make me see things more carefully.
And it isn’t easy.
And that’s the gospel truth!