Monday, August 13, 2012

Of Wishers And Such


The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied."  ... Proverbs 13:4



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"If wishes were horses, beggars would ride." I used to say that to Naomi a lot, probably because my own mother quoted it to me.

Children are big-time wishers. Remember playing, "If I Had a Million Dollars"? 

Wishing is ok when we're young, but then, there comes a time to grow-up. To leave the apathetic part of wishing behind us.

Instead of wishing we had what other people have (something the Bible frowns upon), there comes a time to do. You know, as in, Just Do It.

Just download that free kindle from amazon.com, instead of complaining that you can't afford a 'real one.' And rather than feeling jealous that someone has 300 books in their kindle, why not spend a few minutes each day downloading free books from this website?

When I wish I had a colorful, creative home I can keep sit and whine amongst what I have--or--I can peruse my decorating magazines or the pretty homes I've bookmarked online (like this one). I can take notes of changes or buy some paint and work on what I already own or--- 

Instead of wishing I was a terrific cook like my friend, I can search my cookbooks for techniques and practice more. I can find new recipes online instead of wishing I had lots of cookbooks.

Rather than wishing my yard looked great like my neighbors', I can work in my own yard a bit each day, realizing that inch by inch, anything is a cinch.

If I'd like niftier clothes, I can seek out the best places to shop cheaply. Rather than wishing I knew which type of clothes/colors look best on me, I can search for that information online and at the town library. 

Instead of wishing I had money for a gym membership and a personal trainer, I can just exercise at home. Rather than whining that I can't lose weight, I can seek out all sorts of information online about how to do so.

Instead of wishing I had money (or time) to go on vacation, the Internet can help me discover local places to visit, sites other folks travel hundreds of miles to see. 

Rather than whining that I can't take better pictures, I can study how to do so and then practice what I've learned.

And rather than wishing I had an awesome relationship with God like so-and-so, I can become closer to God today. I can ask Him to fill me with a greater desire to know Him better and to spend more time with Him.

Instead of wishbone, I need backbone. And I do have the Holy Spirit, after all.

We only get one life on this planet. It can be boring, lonely and forgettable or awesome, joyful and amazing. Always, it's our choice.





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"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might..."  ... Ecclesiastes 9:10




"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..."  ... Hebrews 12:1


















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"You can be pitiful or you can be powerful--you can't be both." ... Joyce Meyer


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5 comments:

Judy said...

Yet, I STILL wish that you were my neighbor!

Debra said...

Well, ok, Judy..... You can still wish for *that*. I'll let you (because I wish the same thing). :) Hugs, Debra

Anonymous said...

Well, the internet has surely made so much more so quickly and easily available (being I love to research things...heh, less books coming into the house which makes hubby happy).

And true, we can do some of those things we wish for, little by little. Interesting to watch how you are changing things outside...plants, etc.
Elizabeth in NC

Anonymous said...

Sitting around wishing is just taking up time you could be doing! Doing the very thing you wished for.! I will admit I do plan though. When gardening say I plan out in my mind which plant to put where or what thing to do first and what tools to gather up even before doing that etc . I could wish all my yard work was done...but it isn't and never will be cause things die and things grow and things need changed or fed or.... Also I Love to be outside digging in the dirt so why would I really wish for it to be done? I have a few times gone to sleep thinking of designing a town where my favorite people would live on the streets in it. Where we would all live peacefully and happy together and all that sort of thing. You and Judy would be there. There are still things though I do and things I think of doing so I need to get off my...chair...and get to doing! Sarah

Robin in New Jersey said...

YOU are a very wise woman! I appreciate what you share with us.

I downloaded my Kindle cloud. But when I click on the icon on my screen, it won't come up. I have to go to Amazon to find it. Any ideas?