We've lived in our new Elgin home for a month today. Cozy little cottage. The newness has worn off and it's reality from here on out. I have to say that this small town's inhabitants are much more friendly. We had more visitors in this month than we had in all of last year, minus family, of which we've seen none yet. The Elders' Quorum in the Elgin ward were extremely helpful getting us moved out of La Grande and into Elgin in a timely manner. All of our belongings fit, though boxes are still stacked at walls and will be for some time until we figure out where else we can empty them. There is a small shed to the left of the house, too, which contains boxes of yet untouched (by me, at least) stuff. And behind the house is a market, which takes me all of five minutes away from the house to be done with shopping. Not too shabby!
This move has gotten me thinking about a lot of different things, one of which is people's perception of me. I don't care a lot about status, but some friends of mine made a comment that made it clear that they think I did. It made me sad to think they thought of me that way, but what can I do about it? I am not particularly proud of my house, but it serves the great purpose of keeping us warm and safe. And the inside of it is cute. And those are great reasons to appreciate this blessing!
I love many things about the house. I love the long tub! It's nearly as long as I am! I love the tile floors in the bathroom and kitchen, and the tile on the counter in the kitchen. I love all the windows. I love the winding staircase. I love the location. There are so many things to love about this tiny house. And one of the best things about it is that it's available to us so that we can live in the place the Lord wants us to be.
6 comments:
I love this post, Rachel! You are doing a great job being positive and grateful for what you have. I really think one of the great tests of life is learning to find gratitude in every situation.
I told you about the book I love "The Hiding Place". It's a true story about two sisters who ended up in a concentration camp because they were hiding Jews. One of the sisters, Betsy, always said she could find reasons to be grateful in any situation. Corrie (the other sister, who wrote the book) said that in most things she could agree, but at one time they were put in horrible, flea infested beds, and Corrie stated "I will not be grateful for fleas!" But through the story they realize that the only reason the harsh prison matrons left them alone at night was because they wanted to stay away from the fleas. They were able to talk with the other inmates and study their smuggled-in Bible without the matrons knowing, all because of the fleas! it's such a great story.
Anyway, your cozy cottage is beautiful because of the 7 wonderful people who fill it up!
Hooray! I'm so glad you love your place. You are "blooming where you've been planted". I'm glad the people are so friendly--I hope that's how we feel when we move someday--it makes all the difference, doesn't it?
I could take a lesson or two (or maybe an entire course) on being grateful and positive. If there's one thing I've learned in my experience with houses, it's that they are only what you make them...literally and figuratively.
Besides, the bigger the cottage, the more surface area to be cleaned, is what I always say.
That's so true, Andrea! The smaller the place, the less work I have to keep it up! Another reason why I love this place!
Thanks, all, for your kind words and uplifting thoughts. Having a positive attitude with friends makes everything better!
Very Good home and pic u shared.
BPO work from home
I think you may find someone who needs you in Elgin. Won't that be sweet when you find the friend you've always wanted?
I love all the honest feeling you include in your blogs. This allows us to understand and connect with you. I, too, can relate to being called "weird."
I was thinking about this just last night. True friends that care about your heart, not what you can do for them, are rare!
Besides family and leaders, I think I've had just one friend that looked beyond the surface and really cared about deeper me, my whole life. I was free to be myself, flaws and all. I learned much about charity and patience from that precious friend.
Mostly, I've found plenty of people that want to talk about themselves, defend their own positions, and that just don't listen carefully.
I wish you luck in your quest. Your cousins love and admire you for all the good you bring to your family and this world.
I am inspired by unselfish "non-worldly" women like you who care, and though surrounded by opposition, fight for the cause of truth. If you ever need a listening ear, call me.
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