Seeing the Beauty in What You Are Doing
Scrolling the Christmas Pinterest on my-hearts-song.com, I marvel at the pins selected. Such a wonderful collection of ideas for decorating or the making of gifts for the Christmas season using simple and/or natural materials. Because Pinterest can be so addicting, I keep a real handle on how much time I spend in this manner, but taking a few moments now and again to "taste" of someone's pin collections can be refreshing.
What I seem to enjoy most when scanning through Geneva's pins is the overall impression of using what is available inside a home, a yard or perhaps even a item snuggled in a scrap bag. There really isn't one idea that stands out among the vase array of possibilities that tickles my fancy, it is the realization that Christmas decorating can be accomplished without all the hoopla and expense so associated with the season.
Older me reflects back upon younger me and the pressure I sometimes felt to deck my home in a loveliness I thought was not in my capabilities. Oh, I was faithful to make the best of what I had, but my attitude could easily slip to one of self-pity or frustration. I learned much from those days and now think I live out better my lessons. Feasting my eyes on this collection of Christmas pins, I sense a spirit of excitement in finding ways to decorate with simplicity and creativity.
Thinking back to my own attempts to decorate with what was in my hand during the Christmas season in years past, I recall how the boxwood bushes, a part of our landscape, became greenery on window sills. The ivy growing in our front beds would circle my simple table centerpieces. Little stuffed soft sculpture cats and teddy bears sewn by hand as gifts for my young children are now precious ornaments taken into their homes as they marry. Daughter now asks me why I didn't date my "masterpieces." I think because I was just making do without the full appreciation of the legacy being passed down.
Now what hits me hard is not that I wasn't faithful to do the best with what I had, it was that I didn't always see the beauty in what I was doing. Working more from necessity than with a joyful purposed heart, I still was teaching my children that celebrations can be wonderful opportunities to "make do" with style. Looking back I have no qualms about our rustic, natural Christmas trimmings or our homemade and hand-me-down holiday decor.
Certainly I am not criticizing those who decorate with lavish abandon and beautifully purchased items. Elegantly decorated homes and lovely internet house tours are eye candy for my soul. I am just saying that if yours is the simple life by choice or by circumstance, enjoy the process, stretch your mind and heart a bit and as your are making do with what is in your hand, see the beauty in what you are doing!
What beauty are you creating for your family?
3 Responses to “Seeing the Beauty in What You Are Doing”
December 11th, 2012 at 10:58 am
Hi DL~
I am right there with you. First off, I so SOOO enjoy reading Geneva’s blog and I’m not certain if I follow her on pinterest. But she does have a simple way of decorating; that I appreciate so much. (agreed: Pinterest is addicting)
Secondly, I need this reminder that enjoying what we do, regardless our circumstances, is so important. Many a “Scrooge” has developed by not enjoying our moments in life…
I for one am trying to prevent that with each handmade gift this year… as I am thankful for being given the talents I have and am able to share with my family!
I enjoyed this post for sure!
Pat
December 13th, 2012 at 10:45 pm
This is such a beautiful post. I was just discussing with my husband the other day how growing up with such a decadent childhood can make it super hard to transition into an adulthood where you don’t have any money. I have to constantly refocus and ask myself is it more important that my kids have all this STUFF or that they have financial stability? I thank God for giving me crafting abilities because I can make just about anything we need, especially for the younger kiddos.
December 14th, 2012 at 8:42 am
Pat:
I am sure your handmade gifts are a real treasure to receive! For any interested in seeing some of Pat’s creations, check out her blog: http://corninmycoffee-pot.blogspot.com/.
Joquena:
You are so right! Always choose financial stability over stuff! This is one of the best of all legacies to pass down to the next generation!
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