Choosing Not to Cheat Myself
In the past few weeks, we have had some significant plumbing issues that have come up, as we are also having major renovations done to our home. Because our roof has to come off, the construction schedule has been prolonged several times due to the wet winter that we are having in the Northeast. We are several weeks behind schedule. Amigas, it is not fun. It has felt cramped, unorganized, dank and just overall uncomfortable in my life. When I have spoken with friends and others about our woes, the #1 response has been, “But just think of the outcome! Just think, this will all be worth it when you are in your updated house.” It’s true; I do believe that this will all be worth it, and I do look forward to the outcome, but the one thing that I do not want to do in this process is wait until it is over to experience relief, joy, and peace. I want it now!
Many times in my life, I would prolong my contentment and satisfaction until what I was waiting for would happen. Whether it was getting a certain job, achieving an income goal, having my own place, getting into a relationship, the list goes on and on. I wish I had five dollars for every time I said, “I’ll be so happy when _____________,” and then proceeded to look upon my present circumstances with disdain. More often than not, when the circumstance I waited for happens, I mentally pined after the next thing. Looking back on these seasons, I wish I had chosen to fight for joy right where I was. Joy was certainly a choice I could have made. Peace was always a gift that Jesus offered me, yet I chose to overlook them as if I were five years old, unwrapping socks at Christmas.
There will always be another goal or circumstance to aspire to, but the time spent waiting will never be regained. I do not want to cheat myself out of my abundant life right now because I am focused on just trying to move on. Yes, when all of this construction is over, and the continual plumbing fiascos have subsided when I am on the other side, I will be so glad. However, today, as I am being refined internally, surrounded by my family, and drawn ever closer to God’s presence, I choose to be glad. Embracing joy and peace is what makes today worth it.
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7 NLT
