Reality Check

How many times have you read someone's blog only to think that their life must be perfect? They have a beautiful home that's always clean and orderly. Each meal is a culinary delight and is served upon a freshly pressed tablecloth. Laundry is always done, ironed, and neatly put away. Children always have neat hair, and adorable outfits. No one ever raises their voice or loses their temper.

We get sucked into these illusions, and can easily become dissatisfied with our own lives. If only my home looked like hers.... If my husband just did that.... If my children would just....

It doesn't just happen in blogland, either. We can be sidetracked just as easily by television shows, books, or real life friends.


Real life isn't always peachy keen, though. For anyone.

I've not been feeling well since September.

My home has been dirtier than normal.

Laundry gets done and folded, but then it sits. It sits on a large counter in the laundry room until I feel like I can't take it anymore and yell at everyone to put it away.

Ironing sits, too. In a big pile on top of the dryer. Waiting. Oh sure, Autumn and I attempt to make a dent in the pile every other day or so. We get about 10 pieces done, and then something else beckons us.

And meals are definitely not always gourmet. Yesterday, it was an entire day of find something to make you happy and get your belly full. Some chose a simple sandwich of peanut butter and jelly. Some chose to heat leftovers. Some ate crackers and cheese, and some ate Ramen noodles. Everyone ate cookies. Too many cookies.

This morning, Verne and I attempted to take my van to a man that was interested in buying it. Cheap. $250. And you know what? I say attempted because it totally broke down on the side of the road, and it's still sitting there. That $250 was going to buy a few Christmas gifts. So, do we spend $100 towing it there?

Last week we got a bit of snow. I looked outside to discover my children who are old enough to know better having a snowball fight in flip flops. Snow was covering their feet. Yes, I yelled. And now, they are coughing.

Life isn't perfect. For me, or anyone else.

But on a brighter note, we are in a warm home. (Well, warm is relative, isn't it? We have the furnace thermometer set to 67 F.)

We have plenty to eat, and even cookies!

We aren't afraid to show affection or say "I love you." I feel warm arms around my neck several times each day!

We enjoy God's Word around the supper table each night, and we know that we are His.

Hmmmm.... BIG reality check.




Edited to Add: Verne was able to borrow a tow chain, and he and Mac got the van to the man who was still willing to buy it. (Somethings do turn out well! Praise God!)