Our materialistic obsessions. How did we get them? Picture perfect homes, beautifully furnished, and nothing ever out place. I can’t help but wonder: How did we get here?
I recently read a post about wall lights that are installed after construction, with their cords dangling down the wall. The point was to hide those cords. Because those cords… well, they’re unsightly, messy, and bothersome. A flaw in our picture-perfect homes. A problem to correct.
Trivial problems
I must admit that I don’t care for their messy appearance, not that I have any such lights. But such things do irritate my perfectionist tendencies. But when I thought about it, the fact that they bothered me started to bother me!
They sell gadgets to hide those cords. Special casings to make them neat, pretty, and picture-perfect.
But it was the comments on the article that really got to me. People were obsessed over those cords! And who knows how many other small, trivial details of their home decor?
How did we get this way?
Why do we fret over small things instead of counting our blessings? Seeking perfection and always wanting more. Why can’t we be more grateful for what we already have?
How did we in the developed world end up like this? How did we get this way?
And I’m guilty too. So I’m grateful for that article. It served to remind me of how many things I have and take for granted. Many people in developing countries would be thrilled to have lights, messy cords and all. In fact, I doubt they would even notice the cords at all!
A special prayer
So I’m saying a special prayer today.
Thank you, Lord, that I have electricity at the flip of a switch, both in and out of the house. A light in every room, and flashlights when needed. A refrigerator,, hot water heater, computers, and various small appliances. Help me to remember that my unsightly electric cords are only there because I am blessed to have light! So thank you Lord for light, messy cords and all!
Are you sometimes guilty of obsessing over small things? If you need help in this area, read: Cultivating Contentment in a World of Stuff and discover 5 essential tools for cultivating deep, lasting contentment!
May we always remember to give thanks for all our abundance!
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