Money, things and more

Hello, I'm Rhiannon, and I'm a accessory addict. Yes, it's true. I love accessories. Handbags, jewelry, trinkets for the house. It's a problem. And if my body and feet were of a more "normal" proportion, I"m sure I'd love shoes and clothes too. ( OK, I kinda love clothes anyways) Lately, however, I'm beginning to realize that when I die, I won't look back and say "Wow! I got a great deal on that Michael Kors handbag and it brought me SO MUCH JOY AND HAPPINESS!" I'm beginning to see now that the things I reflect on are that night I went to the coffee shop with a friend and we talked for hours; or the time I helped out at church and got to meet some new people and use my skills to help others.

Looking ahead to a future on the road ( and very limited storage space) I know that I'm going to have to part with a lot of my belongings. I surveyed my front spare room and I have stacks of clothes, art supplies, photos, crafting supplies and books, books, books ( OK, I love books too!!!) At first I thought this was going to be very hard, but I've already got furniture for sale on craigslist ( if anyone needs some dresser, storage/TV armoire, a couch, let me know!) and I'm beginning to go through my extensive collection of handbags, clothes and etc. It's amazing what you can accumulate ( especially b/c I hate moving, so I keep a lot of stuff, and haven't had to declutter my life often) I'm now seeing that these superfluous things are only tying me down and distracting me from more important things!

It's hard in a society that tells us to get more, spend more, do more, buy more, more, more! The more is always about "you" and what you want! When looked at through the Christian mindset though, we are told to want more, but it's a wanting more of God, more helping our brothers and sister's, more loving actions, more caring and sharing, more investing in people and not things. The more always focuses on others and on Christ and not ourselves. It's really a beautiful thing when we can see life through this lens!

So, while I still might sneak a peek at the gorgeous handbag, I know that it won't bring my happiness or be something that I'll be proud of; whereas investing in others, loving others, helping others, and living my life in light of God's work and promises, I can be assured that these things will fill my heart with joy and will bring me true happiness. As a bonus, along the way, I will form great bonds with others as well! that's more happiness than a handbag, shoe or etc could ever give to me.