OOTD // A Lesson on Contentment
I woke up from dreamland, happily snuggled deep into my cocoon of warmth, still embraced by the remnants of a sweet dream involving puppies and kicking villains' butts (don't ask, I have bizarre dreams).
It was Thanksgiving Day, and I had requested several days off of work so I'd be able to drive home and spend some well needed time with loved ones. I'd been looking forward to this visit since the start of November. I reached over for my phone and turned it on, lingering in the warm sheets of my bed a bit longer.
The moment my phone came to life, it started buzzing with notifications. I opened the text messages first, as those rarely light up my phone.
"Linda - we had 8 inches of snow fall last night/ this morning! I had to take mom to work and there's ice under the snow. Advise trip delay."
I texted my dad back to find out what the situation was, and my heart fell as I heard the bad news and checked the weather report. My crappy little car was in no shape to handle the roads.
I won't be able to go home. I realized.
As this sunk in, my thoughts twisted with envy and frustration. Why was I being denied this simple joy? Holidays have never been a huge deal with my family. We had no traditions for the infamous turkey day, but if there's one thing I love about holidays it's the happiness and joy that comes from fellowship with family and those you love.
It looked like I wasn't going to be having that this year.
But as my heart gave way to the temptation of complaining and bitterness, it struck me how bratty I was being. Really? I was sitting here thinking I had it so bad?
Try and put that in perspective on a universal scale.
As my blessings revealed themselves, it hit me just how much more I had than I needed.
I have a solid education that I am continuing in. I have a roof over my head and a functioning heater that keeps me plenty warm despite the snowy outdoors. I have way too many clothes than are necessary. I have people in my life that provide a solid support system and give unconditional love.
I have so many things to be grateful for, and there is plenty of opportunities for me to visit home at a later date.
I feel that as an American, we tend to become comfortable in our overindulgent world and begin to demand pleasures as rights, when in fact that's not how the world operates. There are people out there who honestly have close to nothing - and here I am complaining I don't get turkey.
Really?
It was an eye opening moment for me and helped slam home the lesson of contentment - while simultaneously fueling my desire to help others. So instead of a loud, cheerful gathering with people, I spent Thanksgiving in my pj's, dancing to K-pop tunes, watching Netflix, and creating a unique dish using Ramen noodles. And you know what? I was content. I had joy.
I do hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving and that you got to spend it with loved ones! Lord knows we need more moments like those.
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
Philippians 4:11
It was Thanksgiving Day, and I had requested several days off of work so I'd be able to drive home and spend some well needed time with loved ones. I'd been looking forward to this visit since the start of November. I reached over for my phone and turned it on, lingering in the warm sheets of my bed a bit longer.
The moment my phone came to life, it started buzzing with notifications. I opened the text messages first, as those rarely light up my phone.
"Linda - we had 8 inches of snow fall last night/ this morning! I had to take mom to work and there's ice under the snow. Advise trip delay."
I texted my dad back to find out what the situation was, and my heart fell as I heard the bad news and checked the weather report. My crappy little car was in no shape to handle the roads.
I won't be able to go home. I realized.
As this sunk in, my thoughts twisted with envy and frustration. Why was I being denied this simple joy? Holidays have never been a huge deal with my family. We had no traditions for the infamous turkey day, but if there's one thing I love about holidays it's the happiness and joy that comes from fellowship with family and those you love.
It looked like I wasn't going to be having that this year.
But as my heart gave way to the temptation of complaining and bitterness, it struck me how bratty I was being. Really? I was sitting here thinking I had it so bad?
Try and put that in perspective on a universal scale.
As my blessings revealed themselves, it hit me just how much more I had than I needed.
I have a solid education that I am continuing in. I have a roof over my head and a functioning heater that keeps me plenty warm despite the snowy outdoors. I have way too many clothes than are necessary. I have people in my life that provide a solid support system and give unconditional love.
I have so many things to be grateful for, and there is plenty of opportunities for me to visit home at a later date.
I feel that as an American, we tend to become comfortable in our overindulgent world and begin to demand pleasures as rights, when in fact that's not how the world operates. There are people out there who honestly have close to nothing - and here I am complaining I don't get turkey.
Really?
It was an eye opening moment for me and helped slam home the lesson of contentment - while simultaneously fueling my desire to help others. So instead of a loud, cheerful gathering with people, I spent Thanksgiving in my pj's, dancing to K-pop tunes, watching Netflix, and creating a unique dish using Ramen noodles. And you know what? I was content. I had joy.
I do hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving and that you got to spend it with loved ones! Lord knows we need more moments like those.
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
Philippians 4:11
10 comments
LOVE, love, love this dark fall look, and your bright reflections here. Hope your Christmas will be better, with family, sans snow!
love te layering, dear :)
Saci
ChocolateFashionCoffee
ChocolateFashionCoffee Facebook Page
Well, I'm glad that you learned a little something from it all, though it is truly unfortunate you were unable to go back home! Darn. Hopefully Christmas will make things easier for you. <3 You truly are a gem, Linda. Good for you for being grateful for what you've got--I know I need to do that much more often than I do, too.
On a sartorial note, I love your layering and your hair in a bun like that! <3
Such a good reminder. I had to keep reminding myself to be content, because I couldn't stay at home and chill with just my immediate family, instead we visited my aunt and little cousins. Once I got over my attitude it was enjoyable.
Also, your outfit looks so cute and comfy! I love it. xox
Brainchild
thanks for sharing!!! :D
i love your scarf!! :D
Have a great week!
Animated Confessions
oh, sorry you couldn't be with your family! At least you managed to have fun on your own :)
love the scarf!
Pam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥
Awe, sorry you didn't get to drive home due to the snow. You wrote this blog very beautifully! <3
Love that lipstick shade!
xx
http://www.madridforniagirl.com/
I love that you took an unhappy occurrence and turned your day around. I feel like you really nailed Thanksgiving this year. :)
aroseisinbloom.blogspot.com
Some of my best holidays have been without fanfare Linda. It's the true meaning of the season! When God sees how content you are with the basics, he will give you more! There's something special about you! You have a great heart, and I feel there are some wonderful things ahead for you in life. I really do!
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
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