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Way at the very bottom of my list are 70s ranch houses. Especially L-shaped ones. When we were looking at houses, this was the type of house that I was least interested in.
Guess what kind of house I live in?
A 70s ranch. An L-shaped one, in fact.
This bothers my husband. I think that it makes him feel like he's failed me somehow. He loves me, and he wants me to have everything I've ever wanted, including my "dream house." He says that we should sell our current house, so that I can live my dream.
I say no.
Why? Because I am living my dream.
While my house might not be the "perfect" style of house, who says that it has to be? Who says that I have to have EVERYTHING I've ever wanted to be happy? God provided this house for us, and it's sufficient for our needs. It's not too big, or too small. It's private - we live at the top of a hill with only one close neighbor, and there is no traffic past our house. We have 1 1/2 acres of land - more than enough for us to have a garden, and flowers, and a big backyard for our kids to play in. We have two large buildings, so we have plenty of storage space, and my husband can have a workshop to putter in.
Why would we leave?
I believe that we would all be much happier, not to mention financially healthier, if we learned to be content right where we are. If we realized that we can appreciate things without having to own them. If we defined "dream house" in a different way - not as the biggest, fanciest house on the block, with all of the material amenities we could ever want - but as the place where we are the happiest.
For me, that's right here.
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10 comments:
This is another great post :) I realized a few months ago that I was actually in my "dream" house without even knowing it. Feels great, doesn't it? :)
Awe - I love your blogs! I am a single/divorced woman and all I ever wanted was to be married and have a home of my own. My marriage didn't work out. But after working very hard, I now have a home of my own. It doesn't matter that it isn't as wonderful as those shown on HGTV, or brand new with the latest everything, or as huge as my friends. But, it's mine - the American dream - a place of my very own. I am happy and content with the blessing Heavenly Father has given me. I think you always blog the feelings of my heart - that why I love to visit often.
Amen! So many would be so much happier if they would focus on all the blessings they have instead of fretting over what they think they want/need.
When I was expecting my triplets (and had a little one already), every one kept asking if we were going to move to a larger house - I never even considered moving - I was going to be quitting teaching to stay home with my children. We were in a home that to some seemed way too small for a soon to be family of 6, but I knew what we could afford and what we couldn't and I chose to make the best of my "little" home and we have survived just fine!
Juliana E.
-Ohio
That's a great view - I agree! My house is an ugly red brick (well Dave hates red brick anyway - I just think it's a bit outdated) - & inside it's 70's & early 80's style (YUCK!) But I love coming home to it, because it's not about the house, but the family inside & this is where I belong (pink bathroom included - although we are going to do A LOT of renovating!!)
It's just like the tag line on your blog- want what you have.
My house is plenty big enough but I don't like how close the neighbors are, the way the kitchen is decorated (80's), the unfinished basement, etc. It is by no means my dream house but we are comfortable here and fortunate to be a happy family all together. That's the most important thing. The rest will or won't work itself out as time goes on.
My husband also feels that he has not given me everything I have wanted...and I have to admit that it is probably because I complain about my house. I live in a 3 bedroom townhouse which is very nice, but of course I always moan about the things that I do not like about it. I have been praying to God to help me overcome this terrible habit of not being content with what I have.
Living in a smaller home has allowed me to be a stay at home mom which I just LOVE. Instead of having a large home (and large expenses), our monthly expenses are smaller (somewhat in this economy) so we are able to purchase some things that I might not be able to otherwise.
Thank you for this post. God just knows the right time to give me the things that I need...this post is just what I needed!
I am now off to give my husbnad a big kiss and to thank him for being the best husband!
Thanks and God Bless...
Janel
Well you sold me! It's sounds like the house you're living in now is perfect!
It's love that makes a house a home...and you seem to be overflowing with it!
What a great post. I too feel happpiest right where I am at and we don't even own our own house. We live in a 2 bedroom 3rd floor apartment and I feel extremely happy and I feel like I am living my dream as well.
Thanks for the reminder
I think it must be easier for women to be content with what they have, even if it's not what we dreamed of. My husband always says I wish I could get you this or I need to get you that. I try to tell him I have everything I need.
Contentment is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. So no matter where we are in life, we can smile and be thankful.
Smiles,
Lea
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