Home, sweet home...or not?

Sometimes my house frustrates me.  It is in very poor condition, is too small, is crowded, and cluttered.  I never wanted to live here, I accepted it as our first home because John lived here and inherited it when his father died.

I always dreamt I would get to pick out the home that fit my needs and desires.  I've never been a person to take things for granted.  I was raised by parents who didn't indulge my whims, so I appreciated everything I had.

So-- the home I would pick wouldn't be this---

Now, don't get me wrong, this is beautiful and a tempting idea.  But, I could be happier with a LOT less.  Take for instance these cottages---

These little seaside and/or rustic and woodsy cottages appeal sooooo much to my heart.  <3

But seriously, I would be thankful to have a home with a front porch (for sitting with my honey, and for rainstorms), 2 baths (one bath ain't cutting it with so many Elliotts), at least one REAL shower (we have an ancient bathtub rigged with a handheld shower), storage space(we have NO space so we can't put anything away, ever--thus, insane CLUTTER), and decent plumbing, siding, windows, doors, and electric.  Ours are all outdated, except for half the windows that we had replaced several years ago, and our back door which is not too old.

Something that I find annoying is the lack of things that work.  My work is primarily in the kitchen, and things there are as up to date as they were in 1940.  I don't have a dishwasher, nor do I have room for one, even if I had the money to buy one.  The plumbing is so ancient that to fill a pitcher or coffee pot takes about 3 minutes.  I set it in the sink, then go about doing other tasks while it fills up.

I've said this before and I will say it again: I do not like to complain.  So, I want to say this: I have so many blessings, that to complain about these little irritations would not be my style. 

I'm basically working up to a point here--I think that God permits small disappointments because it teaches us a lesson.  In my case, I think He is assisting me in that He does not want me to get too attached to wordly goods.  And you know what?  It's definitely working!  I am not attached to this house, believe me!!!

My home has many priceless memories.  John carried me over the threshhold after we were married.  I was still in my gown, and he in a tux. 

All of our children were raised in this house, and this is where we've celebrated birthdays, holidays, and every day family stuff.

We have prayed together here, broke bread together, hosted parties, and consoled one another during sorrowful times.

I think God knows that my heart can be more fully devoted to Him if certain desires go unsatisfied.  It draws me closer to Him because I know He is the only true remedy for that restlessness. 

HUGSxxxAnnie