Don't let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God's promises. God's promises still stand. And God's promises are stronger than our failures.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Sweatshirt Sermon #2

I have this great sweatshirt that simply says “Palm Beach” across the front.  Very simple, very classy.  I bought it in, guess where, Palm Beach.  :)  Let me tell you about my Palm Beach trip.

Several years ago one of my nieces was living and working in New York City.  (Hi Natalie!)  She had done an internship there while in college and was blessed to work for and live with a couple who became dear friends.  They love her and she loves them and they are part of her family by heart.  This couple has several grown children and several grandchildren, have been very successful in business, and are just the nicest, most generous people you would want to meet.  They have several homes; one out from the city where my niece lived during her internship, one in upstate New York, an apartment across from Central park and a home in Palm Beach.  Since “the season” in Palm Beach is in the winter they typically are not there in the summer so they offered the house to my niece for a week one July.  She invited her mother and her sister to go with her, and also included me and my two daughters.  Can you just imagine two sisters (my sister and I) and both of us with our two daughters getting to go to Palm Beach for week all together?  It was a fabulous trip and so much fun for all of us.

The house when we arrived was so much more than I expected.  It had seven bedrooms, I’m not sure how many baths, a beautiful Palm tree lined pool, was on the intercoastal waterway, beautifully furnished, and came with a maid even when no one was there.  The owners kept clothes and makeup and all that kind of stuff in the house so that when they wanted to visit that home they could just get on a plane and go.  No luggage to worry about.  And they were so generous that they offered it to us for the week. 

A couple of weeks ago I posted about a comment Kim at MommatoMany said about the view from the bathroom window (at this post) where she wondered what it would be like if your view from your bathroom window was all the world you ever saw.  When I wore this sweatshirt last week I thought about that post.  What if what you saw of the world wasn’t narrow at all, but instead was skewed in the other direction.  Now please don’t misunderstand me – this is not a criticism of that couple, not in any way.  In fact, just the opposite.  What if you really had all that you ever dreamed of having?  How would that have made you a different person?  Or would it?  I tried to think about what I dreamed of having and I don’t suppose I’m much different from any of you…the perfect house, cars that never break down, clothes that make me look skinny, a cook and a maid and a butler, and world peace.  Don’t forget the world peace.

Joking aside, what if…money was no object and you could live anywhere in the world.  Where would that be?  What if you could work at any job you dreamed of, what would that job be?  And how would you share that happiness with others?

To be honest I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather live than right here.  With maybe new hardwood floors.  I can’t think of any job I’d want other than the one I have…being a wife and mother and grandmother and follower of Christ.  And sharing happiness-I hope I do that every day just doing what I do.  There’s nothing profound about my life but thanks to Jesus it’s a life filled with joy and with love and with family and friends.  I don’t guess for me there is anything more I could have dreamed of.

14 comments:

Michelle said...

You share happiness and spread joy my direction every time you blog a new post. Thank you for sharing your heart.
be blessed,
Michelle

Grammy Staffy said...

I share your feelings. I don't know what it would be like to be rich but I don't think I would be any happier than I am now. My home is 30 years old but it is roomy and comfortable. My husband,children, grandchildren and friends love me. My religion and faith bring me hope, peace and joy. The scriptures give me insight and answers. We may not have a great deal of money but we are rich in all the things that really count. I suppose that it would be nice to be wealthy and able to help others financially... but other than that, I don't think having a lot of money would make me one bit happier than I am now. Like you,I feel blessed.

Hugs, Lura

Marie Rayner said...

Marlene, after having worked for some incredibly wealthy people for the past 7 years I can tell you that although rich people can have just about anything that money can buy . . . they are not necessarily very happy people. I never understood about the rich man and the eye of the needle prhase until I worked for them. Riches and wealth distract people from the very things in life that are most important. Not all I am sure, but most. Todd and I feel very blessed to have the Gospel in our lives and each other. That is our treasure and it is worth more than anything else in the world to us. We might not have a lot in material things, but we have joy and that is something that can't be bought! Great post Marlene!!

Lori said...

Great post!
Wow, if I could live anywhere in the world, since I've never been out of the country, I think I would chose East Tennessee. It's so beautiful there in the mountains and the season change is more subtle than we have here in the North. Of course, if you asked me this in the summertime, I might say right here where I am. Being as it's 2 degrees & breezy this morning, my answer could be a tad skewed!

Arkansas Patti said...

Palm Beach is awesome isn't it? I had some friends in PB when I lived in Jupiter and the best I can say is that they were bored a lot. A life too easy is not all that fun.

BlueRidge Boomer said...

I lived in West Palm Beach for 56 years....i'd rather be right here in the North Carolina mountains...closer to God up here!!

Enjoy.....LindaMay

ps....Arkansas Patti....i grew up in Jupiter!!

Marge said...

Your post made me think of I Tim 6:6-10 - "Godliness with contentment is great gain." St. Paul goes on to say we brought nothing into the world and will take nothing out of the world and we should be content if we have food and clothing.

When I was younger, I wanted more. I wanted the nice home, furniture, clothing, vehicle, etc. Now I am content with what I have and where I live. I have clothing and too much food! That is enough.......although I still complain. Especially about the cold and snow in Minnesota!

Marlene, you always seem content with your life. I admire you for that.

Cindy said...

I'd love to live by a pond or lake but other than that I don't aspire to a perfect home. I go for cozy and that doesn't cost much. But, having said that, I do have to fight the wish list mentality at times and have to be content with what I have.

Susannah said...

Marlene, You are wonderful. You make me see things in a different light and that is good! Thank you....

Susannah

Joy said...

I like the way you look at the world Marlene :o).
Hugs,
Joy :o)

Anonymous said...

I would have a house next door to you. Sherry D

Val said...

You are such an inspiration so you are such an example. I am like you. What more would I want? I don't need to be rich. I don't know of a dream job. I do know of some answered prayers I would like but HE knows when it is the right time. We are so blessed, aren't we?

JKW said...

West Palm Beach is paradise. . . I've lived here almost 25 years - from central IL. The 20s and 30s with wind chill in the teens this year was horrendous. I have windows on the north that don't fit tight and to keep the drapes from blowing out I had to tie them down. But it is still Paradise. God knows what He is doing and I'm right where I want to be no matter where that is. Blessings, Janet

Natalie said...

Ahh.. that was a fun trip, wasn't it? Love the post... and super loved that trip. I think it's time to get the girls together again. Hummm.... where should we go?