Four months ago I made another life changing step. I put all my worldly goods in storage except for a bedroom suite, bookcases, my computer and pictures of my kids. Why you ask would I put my beautiful things in storage? It was an easy decision. I looked around one night at all my “stuff” and realized that it meant nothing to me. All the things I held so dear for over thirty years was just “stuff”. I didn’t have anyone to admire the house when it was decorated so beautifully, no one cared if the bed was made and it took me seven years to realize that things will not and did not make me happy.

My best friend and her husband were caring for her elderly mother-in-law at night. They would leave their home around 8:00 p.m. and spend the night with her. It was interrupting their life, though they never complained…never. I decided to approach them to see if I might move in with the wonderful older woman. I could use two of her bedrooms to put the things that I needed and the rest of my things could go in storage until I decided what to do with the rest of my life.

It has been one of the best things I have done in a very long time. I am so content and I love living with my friend’s parent. It has worked out for all of us. I go to work everyday, come home at lunch to check on things, come home at night go to the gym and work out for an hour, come home and help my little lady get ready for bed. That is just about all I do for her. She is approaching 92 years old and what a blessing she has been for me.

Jesus didn’t have any material belongings and he accomplished such wonderful things. While I certainly don’t compare myself to Jesus I do think that in my life I have cherished material things. I think I always thought that owning a home and decorating it was the ultimate in life…it is not. The ultimate in life is living for the Lord and being available to help others. I now can pick up and go visit with my kids on the weekends. I have more money to buy them things if I want to. I am not in a constant tizzy worrying about if I can pay my bills. God has a plan for my life and I believe it! Right now I am taking a break from being alone and it’s such a wonderful feeling.

I thank God for this opportunity to help my friends out and I thank God for allowing me this time with this special lady. When I am ready to “nest” again, my “stuff” will be right where I put it. Who knows how long this arrangement will last? I realize that nothing lasts forever…but I will enjoy this experience while it lasts.

© Copyright 2003, Sandy Fulton
Used by permission
www.sandyfulton.ibelieve.com

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