This is my favorite lyric from the song “Boondocks” by Little Big Town... For those of you who are country buffs, you know you can't help but crank it up when it comes on the radio! Since we have been discussing finances at HDC, I have been finding that songs like these are helping me to put things into perspective. Growing up, my family didn’t have a ton of money, new cars or a huge house; but what we did have was love. And we had so much love that my brothers and I never had much time to notice the material things that some other kids had. I feel that this topic is so relevant and sometimes difficult to confront in such a money hungry world.
My mom always told us that we were rich in blessing. Even though my parents didn’t have a ton of money, they welcomed in every kid on the block and provided for them like their own. I definitely learned from my parents the difference between what you want and what you need. I remember having no cupboard doors in our kitchen for years, which I now use as an excuse to my husband when he says, “Melinda, do you not know what it means to close a cupboard door?!” Haha.
I also remember my mom driving around a beat-up old limo- Yes, I said limo- but beat up. What the heck? I remember her driving us through Del Taco in it, and we were so embarrassed.... but at the same time we loved that thing. It was classic. I also will never forget when my dad was a tow truck driver. He would drop me off at high school in that thing and sound his sirens so everyone would look. I was so mad at him. But the funny thing was, everyone in our town knew our family for these things. And they all loved us for it. They loved that they could come over to our house and be accepted for who they were. They knew we were real.
I learned at a very young age what was most important in life. My parents taught us to love before anything else. These experiences were very humbling for me, and they make great stories now! The older I get, the more thankful I am for that. I do not need millions of dollars to be happy. And I do not need to go through life trying to impress people. I am much more concerned with being a true friend and showing them that I am genuinely interested in their lives than making myself look good on a superficial, on-the-surface kinda way.
As cliche as it sounds, I definitely learned to appreciate the little things. I hope my children one day will come to know this as well. Call me naive, but life is certainly more rewarding this way. Check your motives once in awhile: Are you spending your life helping others, or impressing others? Thanks Marc and Deb, for teaching me the importance of achieving my goals; but more importantly, to realize that having a little was just enough.
"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment". - 1 Timothy 6:17
6 comments:
Good post Mindy and you're so right. I am way more drawn to a person's house that just has this inviting feel, and is full of love than a house that may the "place to be". That's how I feel at Jason's and Jules' house with all the kids running around and the fun they have is infectious! That's the same reason why I loved your families house as well.
Your Mom cryed her eyes out when she read this. HA HA
AWWWW, I love that song!! And yes, your parents became like my second set of parents because they took me and Amber in like their own. I hope they now how much I appreciate them!!!!! :) I want to be like them one day. I want to be the house where all my kids' friends can come and stay out of trouble.
Mindy, when I read this post, it took me back to our summers together. I never wanted to be anywhere other than your house. I was so young when I started coming out there, and spending so much time away from my mom was difficult. Your parents ALWAYS made me feel like a daughter, Samantha as well, and we knew that we were home. I will always cherish the memories I have with your family. Our beach excursions were so fun, and our toilet paper outings were so enjoyable with your mom. She is the best! I know that when we stay up late talking to her, I feel blessed that she is there to listen and give me good advice. Your dad has always led me in the right direction with everything that I've talked to him about. I get so excited to tell them my good news just like I would my own mom. That, to me, is so important, because I never had a stable, normal childhood. But I always knew when I went to your house, everything would be so familiar. I needed that as a child. Your house was always welcoming, and the love there never changed. I am blessed to be able to say that I grew up with you, as a sister, and as their daughter. I love your family as much as I love mine. I have no other friendship like ours, and I know that I never will. God is wonderful for bringing us together at such a young age. Even if we didn't know it, Samantha and I needed your family as much as our own. Life would have been so boring without the Shivers family in our lives!
What a blessing it is for you to realize the blessing that your parents are to you and your brothers. Not to forget all the "adoptives" that they have blessed with their love - like myself and those that have and have not commented on your page. You are one lucky woman to have been blessed with such and amazing family. I know that God will continue to keep your parents and your "new" family *with Marcos* under His protective wing. And your influence as well as theirs will continue to spill the love of Christ onto this unloving world! Thank you for making me a part of it! I love you!! :)
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