My Little Mansion...from the Backside

To some, it may not look like much. To me, it's a mansion. 

My little part of the world is loved not because of how it's built, nor because of where it stands. It is loved because I believe it was prepared for us, for this particular season of life.

The homestead waited in a fast moving real estate market, refusing to show what it could be. It waited for us to arrive. It waited for us to decide what we would do, or could do, to change it up, once we said, "Okay." It knew I would resist owning it. The curb appeal was lacking enticement. It knew I would resist the possibilities of what it could be, simply because my heart was set on something a little more grand. It waited for our love to fully arrive.

I'm so grateful for its (and God's) patience with me.

Today, sitting on our backyard swing, enjoying the cool morning breeze as it sweeps Mimosa fluffs past me on their way to anything they can attach themselves to, I snap this picture. 

We've occupied this land for 13 years, paying off the mortgage at the beginning of this year. She's completely ours now. Feels so good. So freeing...

Having recently gotten a face life, our little mansion stands stately, maybe just a little too proudly. She loves her new look, as do I. Like a new shiny penny, she glistens. 

It's been a long time coming, yet she is so very grateful for the years before. It shows in how well she accepts those little nuisances the Mimosa's throw at her, and the gum balls that litter her yard, trying to make her feel less beautiful. And those pine needles! Oh, they do love to gather on her roof, trying their best to smother her breathing capabilities.

But, today? She shines bright! Welcoming those who need a bit of peace. Demonstrating how one can overcome life's little distractions if they but choose to look closer. If they would just take a breath, close their eyes, and listen.

A house is a building of brick and mortar, or in some places, it's a house made of only limbs & straw. It is the people who turn it into a home. A home where those who abide therein, call forth their many talents, created by love. Their creative talents that are meant for such a time as this.

A house that love turns into a home.

Or a mansion. Depends on whose eyes one is looking through.

Being a child that was born during the aftermath of the Great Depression, where soup lines were formed to feed the hungry, and gas was rationed for those who owned a vehicle. I was a child trained under the wisdom of parents who only had what the land could provide for them. "Waste not, want not" was a mantra in our household. We were grateful for the food put in front of us, never questioning if there might be something more (or different)...never realizing just how "poor" we were. 

I was a child that got giddy with excitement when her dad said, "Go ahead. Reach into my pocket and however much your hand can pull out is yours." Pulling out only one dime felt like I had just won the lottery. Most days, it meant we could go for ice cream after chores.

This child looked at the world a bit differently than what I have observed in this day and age. Times have indeed changed. Or maybe it's just that I have grown up and have been granted more than what was experienced as a child. But I will never forget my roots. I'll never forget the life lessons taught as one growing up knowing self-sufficiency. 

Regardless of life's pitfalls, my heart is full of gratitude for the life given me, and the provision that is always right in front of us...waiting to be accepted. The ups, the downs, the hardships, the fears, the hopes, the down right disappointments, at times. All of it. 

God always sees us through the difficult times and rejoices with us in the good times. His hope is that we will trust in his provision, especially when all our eyes see is lack. Do what we are able and leave the results up to Him. 

We only need to keep our eyes open to see beyond the "curb appeal" as to what can be, if we but put our hands, and our hearts to the task. God provided, now let's see how to make it our "mansion."

As always, here you will find me...in Mary's World.

#mylife #myjourneyamongtheunseen #grateful #theforgottenway #seeingbeyondthenatural #Godprovides