When I was a young girl in the very early 1980s, I had a Western Barbie doll with eyes that showcased big blue eyeshadow, a look I thought was absolutely the most beautiful thing I had ever seen (don’t judge). My Barbie had a plastic button on her back that, when pressed, made one of her blue eyeshadow eyes wink. It. Was. Amazing. What I did not have was a Barbie Dream House. I coveted that house! Because I never got to own the Dream House, I was forced to use tables, chairs and cardboard boxes to created my own Barbie House. I can remember complaining about the lack of a Barbie House (never mind the fact I had what I considered the BEST Barbie doll ever). I learned, however, that I didn’t have to have every little thing my heart desired to be happy and grow as a person. So I never had the Barbie Dream House, but you know what I gained from that? I developed a strong imagination and learned a lesson on being content.
One would think as an adult the whole “being mad about what I don’t have” would have dissipated. …Not so much. I still find myself feeling life is unfair when I don’t get my deepest desires, especially when it seems EVERYONE else is getting what I want <insert foot stomp and pout>. It’s not that I am ungrateful. It’s just that I paid more attention to what I DIDN’T have. Guys, the struggle is real.
I was recently challenged by my pastor to write out a “Thank You” card to God. He reminded me to think about all those things I take for granted. As I thought about all the things I DO have, I was reminded I am extremely blessed and even if I NEVER get some of those things my heart desires, I am STILL blessed. Changing my focus has helped me make Thanksgiving a perpetual celebration. This has made my daily walk much more joyous.
I hope you find joy in your heart without a new toy. I hope you see enough in your life to feel thankful. I hope that you are blessed with enough to realize that enough is plenty.