~ Sue Bender ~
author of Plain and Simple
Do you live an ordinary life? I have to say, I do. I get up every morning to go to work, Monday – Friday; prepare meals for my family; pay our bills on time; wash cloths…You know, the whole nine yards. There is really nothing exciting going on my life. Or is there?
As I was reading over the quote several times, I did a search of the book on-line and read the back-cover. I like to get more information when I try to write about something I am not familiar with. But I think, you know that by now…As I was reading the back-cover of Sue’s book, one simple question got stuck in my head: “What really matters?”
What really matters to me on this side of heaven? Having a big house, a nice car, jewelery? I have to say – no. Material things really don’t matter to me. You might think I am making this up. Ask my husband. He will tell you that I wouldn’t mind living on the beach somewhere, with no care in the world. I guess my dad rubbed more off on me than I like to admit. He always said: “You come naked to the world, and you will leave naked. What really matters in this life, are your relationships and love!”
I have to totally agree with my dad. There is really nothing that matters more than my relationships and the love I have for the ones closest to me; and even the love I have for the ones that really don’t like me much. I like what Paul is saying about love in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3:
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” ~ (ESV)
Yes, love is what matters most! Love for my Lord, my family, my friends and even my enemies. No riches of this earth can compete with love. No house, no cars, no jewelery…That for me is living an ordinary, but sacred life.
Our hostess for this week’s ‘In Other Words’ is Ann at Holy Experience…Hope to see you there.
Iris… I have been thinking on this for days… all that matters is love. The other day, dh said to me, “You know the rich, “powerful”, famous—they have it no better. They have only one heart, one marriage, one family. Regardless of what you think it is all about… all that matters is love. And we can all have that.”
And we can ALL have that—no one excluded.
And that is ordinary, and commonplace… and so extradordinary and supernatural and hallowed.
Thank you, Iris, for sharing you, and what He is speaking to your heart, with us.
All is grace,
Ann V.
Wonderful testimony Iris. Thanks for sharing. My post today is very similar ~ I started a Beth Moore Bible study. Blessings to you.
Very true words of wisdom. I have to keep this in perspective because we are at the very beginning stages of looking for a new house.
Profound, beautifully written words to live by!
Diane
I am also not somebody who is very materialistic. At first it was not by choice, but God showed me what was important – building up treasure in heaven and good strong relationships with people and with Him. I used to be very materialistic – I wanted the clothes, jewelry – I wanted it ALL!! Thank God for His patience and for teaching me that there are far more valuable things than the things of this world!
Without love, we would have nothing left. For doing anything in the absense of love holds no meaning!
Thanks for the great share. Very true. Love is a basic fundamental and we sure do need to spread more of it around!
amen sister! I love your post! It’s so true.
Great thoughts, Iris. I’ll take my “ordinary” any day.
I try to look for the extraordinary in my ordinary life… sunshine, a flower, the breeze…
A wonderful message here – for all of us. Thanks for sharing this.
Your writing reminds me of these verses:
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21-24
Very appropriate writing. Thank you for sharing!
Amen to that Iris. My greatest joy comes from simple everyday things too like…walking through my garden early in the morning with a steaming mug of tea or coffee, inspecting plants and flowers sparkling with dewdrops. I love shopping for groceries, chatting with the people in the store. I also love spending my evenings curled up in bed either reading a book or watching my favorite programs on tv. It is a revelation to realize that though I love things like my family, work and friends in the long run, instead of great achievements that make me feel good for a awhile, it is the simple pleasures that year in and year out, nourish my soul.
Thanks for this beautiful posting.
I agree with your dad too 😉
And, I would like to hear more about your Dad sometime… sounds like he was a man whose words and love have traveled with you.
You are so right! The older I get, the more I realize what’s truely important in this journey through earth….love. Loving God and each other. Your dad was a very wise father. I’m blessed by your post. {{Hugs}}
Vicki
Oh Iris, you do have such a beautiful heart, such a beautiful spirit. You are a treasure and an inspiration! And I love the way your father has spoken so richly into your life, leaving his imprint so deeply. What a legacy!
I’m totally with you. Material things mean much less to me now. (Perhaps it’s because the children are raised.) I think though, that I’ve always valued love and relationships more. It sounds like you have a wonderful Dad… you’ve talked about him before. How about your Mom? Is she living?