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24 March 2013

My Struggle With Envy

Our Home

The sin that I struggle the most with is Envy.   This past week I was struggling more than usual.  When I got divorced, I bought this two bedroom townhouse.  At the time, it was more than enough space for my daughter, Sydney and me.  Now five years later, there are five of us living here.  It is pretty tight!

Sydney's father  remarried and bought a new home.  It is a really large home with about five times the space that we have.  My old enemy, envy started to creep in.  I started to feel bad that I could not give Sydney her own room and all of the things that her father could.  It is so easy to start going down that road.

Sydney set me straight.  I asked her if she ever wished that she had a bigger house with us, like the one that she has with her dad.  She said, "Mom, the house doesn't matter.  I come here to be with my family, not the house."

How is it that a seven year old can see that so clearly but I can't?  Why do I struggle with envy?  Why is it so hard to be content? I need to remember what Sydney said and be content with what we have, to be happy that our family is here together.

"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."- Proverbs 14:30


Sydney and her sister, Ella
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11 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 24, 2013 at 2:21 PM

    you are obviously doing something right :-) Chrissy

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  2. godlyroseMarch 24, 2013 at 2:26 PM

    What a brilliant girl she is!

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  3. ladouglassMarch 24, 2013 at 2:30 PM

    Sometimes kids can see things differently because they don't have all the baggage that we adults have. Glad Sydney could put things in a better perspective for you.

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  4. liz erranteMarch 24, 2013 at 4:35 PM

    Wow! Out of the mouths of babes! Awesome!

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  5. Maria WatsonMarch 24, 2013 at 6:49 PM

    What a beautiful response from Sydney... Grab on to that and ignore the enemy. He is the one trying to take you down. Quoting Pastor Joe, "Keep Looking Up"... We have everything in Him!

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  6. AnonymousMarch 24, 2013 at 9:12 PM

    So many miracles in your life. I am sure there are many envious of you. Sometimes though, it is awfully difficult to see the forest for the trees. Be well.

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  7. TehilaMarch 24, 2013 at 10:13 PM

    Precious sister... I have struggled so much with this sin too. God has brought me a LONG way, and I can recognize that He is working in your life mightily too! The anecdote is to be thankful for what God has given you, and you are RICH having a daughter like your sweet Sydney. God bless you as you abide in Him, dear one...

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  8. Dusty (To the Moon and Back)March 25, 2013 at 9:13 AM

    I can totally relate! We have a 900 sq ft, 2 bdr, 1 bathroom home and there are 5 of us living here (and I'm expecting!). It can sometimes be hard to not be jealous of friend's with much larger homes. Your daughter is very wise. :)

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  9. RachaelMarch 26, 2013 at 12:53 AM

    What a gift you have in your daughter! I find thankfulness combats my woes and feelings of discontentment. You have an awesome starting place of thankfulness...your little girl:) Blessings!

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  10. LizMarch 26, 2013 at 9:04 PM

    trust me... the room inside your home is of little value. the room inside your heart is what matters. :)

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  11. janis CoxMarch 27, 2013 at 9:30 PM

    Oh Yes _ I am linking after you at CSAHM Parenting. But really size doesn't matter - love does. Time with your children is far more important than stuff.
    Blessings,
    Janis

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