Pinterest Worthy

“Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

 

I am way behind the times.

 

And maybe some of you are with me.

 

Pinterest?

 

Up until about a year ago, I had no idea what it was.  I even had trouble pronouncing the word.

 

And if you are still where I was, let me help you.

 

Pin-ter-est.  A website made up of every idea imaginable for the DIY’ers.  If you want to see ideas about anything from knitting, to decorating, to remodeling and much more—this site is the catchall.  People from around the world post “how- tos” every second of the day.  Think of it as a huge cyber bulletin board where you find ideas and “pin it” to your board/file.  For us old-schoolers, it’s the equivalent of cutting out articles and pictures from magazines and putting them in a folder.  It’s actually a pretty useful website.

 

And there I found an idea.

 

It said to take a journal book, label it as “praises” and leave it laying around the house for everyone to write what they are grateful for.  Family, guests, friends—whomever. It becomes a reminder to focus on blessings instead of struggles.

 

I bought a journal.  I labeled it.  I explained it.  I left in on the kitchen counter.

 

 

Four.

 

Four entries have been done.

 

I wrote three of them.

 

It’s been a year.

 

It’s now my notebook for other ideas.

 

Failed.

 

What happened?

 

I was certain my family would join in.

 

I was disappointed.

 

I guess I don’t have “that kind of family.”

 

The kind that writes down their praises.

The kind that engages with each other and smiles in everything they do.

The kind that says, “yes, we’ll do whatever you come up with—happily, eagerly.”

 

Is it just my family that doesn’t do this stuff?

 

Maybe your family does.  And I’m genuinely saying this, “Amen to you!” Something is working right and I envy you.

 

And there’s the problem.

 

Envy.

 

A feeling that gets in the way of Grace.  An emotion that binds us up and weighs us down. A sentiment that oft too many times becomes our calling card.

 

It is that time of year where envy rears its ugly head more than usual.

 

The ads sell it.

 

The stories tell it.

 

The pictures show it.

 

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

 

And I can’t help but think of the Norman Rockwell painting depicting Thanksgiving—a grandma serving a large turkey to a table full of happy, smiling family members. A pleasantness of a gathering.

 

 

I want that.

 

I’m envious.

 

A peaceful gathering—always.

 

A well-oiled family—always.

 

A perfect setting—always.

 

But life is far from that, isn’t it?

 

Sometimes there are major family feuds, people walking out in disgust, noise at the highest decibel level possible, crying, cursing, feet stomping, and so much more.  And that’s just for ONE day of the year! We won’t discuss the remaining 364!

 

 

So I ask myself…, maybe you ask yourself…,

 

Why can’t my family be flawless (like yours)?

Why can’t my life be like the paintings (which everyone else lives)?

Why can’t my life’s details be Pinterest worthy (perfect in every way)?

 

Why is the catalyst for envy.

 

Asking why sends us down a path of wanting something we don’t have.

 

And it’s a path we are reminded not travel.

 

“Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:26-27

 

So may I remind you through my own stumbles, what we perceive as greener grass over the fence turns out to be painted weeds.

 

Life happens.

 

Turmoil happens.

 

It has been from the beginning of time and will continue till the end.

 

How do we survive?

 

Guard our hearts—“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” Colossians 3:15

 

Guard our minds—“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3

 

Guard our speech—“The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.” Psalm 37:30

 

It is a constant, isn’t it? Something we have to work at every minute of the day. Throw in a holiday gathering here and there and boy are we in need of these reminders.
So if you are like me and envy creeps in, especially around this time, let’s counter it with those words from God, and…love.

 

True love.

 

Deep love.

 

Abiding love.

 

Jesus.

 

And maybe our actions will be worthy enough for God to post on his bulletin board!

 

(And a side-note: Norman Rockwell was quoted as saying, “I paint life like the way I want it to be.” His Thanksgiving painting is formally titled Freedom from Want. Hmmm, now isn’t that interesting?)