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“My Times Are In Your Hands”: Modestly Managing “Mommy Madness”

hollymarietong Encouragement, Motherhood, Personal Growth September 10, 2024September 10, 2024bible verses, christian life, christian living, encouragement, faith, jesus, managing time, motherhood, overwhelm, parenthood, stay at home mom, stress, time, working life, worry 0 Comment

I don’t know about you, but I often struggle to believe that time is my friend. I often struggle to believe that the load I’m carrying is even currently manageable…..or worse – Is it even sustainable in the long run? I’ve learned the hard way that I cannot control much of anything at all, despite my best efforts to do so.

The truth is: Most days it’s a struggle to get even 15 minutes to sit and breathe. It doesn’t help that my mind is programmed to believe that productivity is vital at all times. The biggest problem is, I get overwhelmed by my massive to-do list. I get so overwhelmed that nothing gets done at all. For every big task I get done, two unexpected ones get added. If I do get 10 minutes to try to tackle any given task, I either end up with a phone call, an unexpected favor that’s been asked of me…..or maybe, I catch my two year old coloring on the walls yet again. Yes. Think of “Harold and the Purple Crayon.” That’s our current situation, and then some. Little man always seems to find those writing utensils no matter where I store them (of course he gets into everything else right now, too). He’s a joyful tornado, if you can imagine that.

And the mess. It’s everywhere. I mean, everywhere. Our bar area is covered by random knick-knacks, pages ripped out of books, loose change, pens that don’t work and buttons that have popped off. You’ll also find random chargers, hair ties, clippers, broken toys and owner’s manuals. And let’s not forget the stack of papers I still need to read, analyze, sign, return, file, etc. And the laundry obnoxiously piles up before I can even put away the last load. If I were to detail everything I’m behind on, this blog would turn into a boring book. It all looks and feels embarrassing if I’m fully honest.

“I’ll get to it tomorrow,” I tell myself.

This full-time working outside the home AND as a stay-at-home mom, “life,” is exhausting to put it mildly. And only those closest to us truly know everything my current life entails AND demands. But, I also know, 20 years from now, I’ll be glad I fully took on “the hard,” instead of running from it.

And, I really, really do try. I’m trying to be disciplined, but the messes, and “the messages” on my phone, computer and mailbox often hit me like a ton of bricks. I often feel like the average day brings a lot of “unexpected nonsense” which keeps me from the bigger priorities.

……..Anyone else feel that way?

And….I’ve always heard, “chase 2 rabbits, and both get away.” Many days I feel like I have 200 rabbits on the go and 100 fires burning. And, while trying to figure out which one to attend to first, I get overwhelmed and give up. If my head were a computer, I’d have 200 tabs open and running at all times. “Which priority is the BIGGEST priority?” is a question I silently ask myself often.

And, I’ve been trying so hard to maximize my time. I’ve been trying to work with what I DO have for time, instead of dwelling on what I don’t have for time. I’ve had to learn to be creative. I’ve had to learn to spot “not-so-obvious, opportunities” for time with God, time to catch a breath. Every school pickup turns into a “prayer drive” afterwards. I grab a coffee, a quencher or a smoothie for me, and two dairy-free smoothies for the kiddos. We drive down that beautiful side road on our way home, as if it’s our first time looking at those gorgeous mountains in the distance. We pray, we worship, we reflect. This is how I want them to know me. Sure, mommy probably lost her patience earlier that day, and may be on the struggle bus again that night….but, I want them to know that praise and worship is what I’ll always return to.

Yes. As hard as it may be – I’m trying really hard to give God my first 15 minutes of the day (which is Clara’s drive to school M-F), my middle of the day 15 (or a full hour), and my last 15. I find my last 15 to be the most challenging. Give God your first 15 and your last 15 was pre-marital counseling advice Kyle and I received from the fabulous Rob Simms of Joy Church. I haven’t always abided by this priceless advice, but I also have never forgotten it either. I always eventually default back to this goal. I find it to be so key.

I recently heard another pastor say, “if you speak about lack of time, you’ll have lack of time.”

I recall another saying, “I’m too busy to NOT spend time with God.”

And so, I’m trying. I listen to church services and/or inspirational videos while I fold the laundry, wash dishes or shower. Sitting and waiting on my car to receive its maintenance is now basically a spa day for me. I now see the smallest openings as opportunities vs. a lack of time.

As I write this blog, I’m multi-tasking both kids. Weston thinks we are playing pickleball together. So in between each sentence, I’m literally serving the ball as far as I can across the house. I take my free 30 seconds before he returns the ball, to write another sentence or form another thought.

((Please Lord…..help this blog entry to make sense. Help it to not have 101 errors that I don’t even have time to spot before I hit the publish button)).

So, yes. I’m trying to clean, declutter, organize, execute, and be a whole lot to a lot of people these days.

BUT…..

Despite the mess, despite the chaos….the good Lord meets me right there in the midst of it. Every time. He’s right there with me as I’m literally running through the living room obstacle course of random junk, trying not to trip. He’s right there with me, as I’m launching both kids into their car seats knowing I don’t have any time to spare. And, he’s right there with me as I’m behind that slow-moving dump truck that is going to make me 2 minutes late for that important appointment. And when I ask him the best alternative route when I come upon that train that’s stopped on the tracks…..he is faithful to remind me of the best way to get 45 minutes away, on time. He’s right there with me when I feel exhausted, defeated, unheard….and right there when I experience life’s victories too.

He is always faithful. But, I’m still learning to remember, “My times are in your hands.”

But I know it’s true. I know that even when I feel like I don’t have time, I can be assured that he will provide me with time…even if it looks like more multitasking again. He will maximize what I do have. He’s the captain of this ship after all. The less manageable and sustainable this feels, the more I lean on him. The more I know I need to trust him, to be my strength, to be my guide, and to be the one who goes before me. The more I remember when he says: “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

And sometimes I simply have to remind myself: He can do more in 15 minutes than I can do in 15 years. He can turn it all around in the blink of an eye.

Again, our times are in his hands…..and his hands have never failed…..and they never will.

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((Key verses)):

My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. (Psalm 31:15)

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:8-9)

Let Us Never Forget This Hour

hollymarietong Encouragement April 10, 2020April 23, 20209-11, christian faith, christian hope, christian life, covid-19, faith, finding God during Covid-19, god, holy bible, hope during hard times, hope during pandemic, Jesus Christ, peace, seeking God 2 Comments

For one of the first times in the history, we all have something in common. I’m not just talking about Americans. I’m talking about our brothers and sisters in other nations.

This aggravating, disgusting virus may be one weird way of linking us together…..but it is one thing COVID-19 has accomplished besides sickness, death, greed, panic, fear and unrest. [As always, God is always in the business of bringing something good out of the bad that he does NOT cause….but we will get into that later].

Now, we’ve always had a FEW things in common prior to this chaos: We are all part of the human race, created by the same God. We all bleed red. We all need oxygen, food and water to live. We all desire shelter, and a majority of us desire love. We are sons and daughters and many of us have spouses and children. Yes, we’ve always had a FEW things in common, but now, we have more similarities than ever before.

We are all facing a certain level of uncertainty. Whether upper, middle or lower class….we are all somewhat in the same boat. Whether a public figure or a private figure, we can relate to one another. Yes, money and status still doesn’t hurt, but it can only do so much to help a person right now.

It may mean you can stock up on a few more groceries and some extra supplements….and it may mean you can quarantine in a larger home with more entertainment present….but it doesn’t mean you are excused from the virus. It doesn’t mean your job is secure.

The world hasn’t stopped spinning, but our individual lives are a bit on pause. Oh, they’re moving alright. But, most of us cannot accomplish what we normally can.

Yes, our medical professionals, first responders, truck drivers, grocery store workers, factory workers and farmers courageously remain at work…..so that we can eat and remain healthy.

Some of us (both my husband and I) are still able to work from our laptops at home.

Still….for most…..

The corporate ladder climbing has been postponed.

Rush hour is now quiet hour.

The games, concerts and movies will just have to wait.

…..There aren’t any sports scores to check.

……Pop culture is suffering. It’s so much quieter. Being famous is suddenly so much less important than it once was. (Which I have to admit is one of the few things I haven’t minded). Even most celebrity news in some way mentions COVID-19.

…..The daily selfies and self-promotion posts have decreased. Narcissism cannot thrive quite like it once did. At the least, the narcissist is getting less validation these days.

At this moment in time, we are all one in the same. In this hour, it’s become apparent who the real heroes are……and they are the first responders, medical professionals, farmers, truckers, factory workers, grocery store workers, teachers, etc. They’ve always been the heroes, but they’re just now finally getting the recognition they’ve always deserved. I’m enjoying that fact, if not much else.

Yes. In this hour…the sports are ripped away. The music is quieter. Filming of our favorite TV shows is now halted. Travel is suspended.

What is most important, is now staring right at us…..in this hour.

…Because in this hour we are forced to look at our homes and forced to examine our relationship with the people in them.

People are more concerned with essentials than they are with luxuries.

……..Nearly all the distractions are gone. The noise is off.

…….The bare bones of our world have been exposed. The chance to look at what matters and what doesn’t is here.

Until now, have we been filling our lives with a lot of clutter we don’t need? When it comes right down to it, have we been carrying a load we don’t need to carry? Is our version of productivity really productivity?

I’ve certainly been guilty of living fruitlessly, all while having good intentions. I’ve stayed busy, thinking busy made me productive. Is it just me, or do we all do that from time to time?

Do we ever find ourselves sincerely seeking God in crisis, tragedy and uncertainty…..but then, when life turns to normal do we kind of just revert back to our normal, comfortable, way of living? Do we just kind of get unhealthily busy with the things of this world all over again?

I can’t help but think about 9-11.

Remember how we all came together and prayed during that time?

You can say we didn’t forget 9-11….and I wouldn’t say we did entirely….BUT if we had remembered it as we should…..how did pop culture, greed and living contrary to the Bible become so prominent and popular again?

Why did the things of this world very clearly become idols again?

This country may not have forgotten the tragedy, but it seems that the stillness was forgotten. It seems that the mindset was forgotten.

The “being thankful for every day and living every day like it’s your last” mindset hasn’t seemed to be the continued sentiment by and large. I’m not pointing my finger or speaking to one person. I’m not saying I’m not sometimes guilty myself.

Do some live every day thankful like I speak of? OF COURSE. Maybe you’re reading this right now and thinking, hey, I’ve never left that mindset.

I myself like to think I’ve always been a very thankful, never take anything for granted person. I’ve been living that way for awhile…..but I have to admit I wasn’t quite expecting people to start fighting over toilet paper just yet. I’m speaking of the general tone of our fast-paced, selfish world, here.

Somewhere along the way we all become too busy again.

Too concerned about the temporary and the fleeting.

Overly concerned about celebrities and athletes who don’t even know or care that we exist.

When things like 9-11 and COVID-19 happen, we see how powerless we are.

We have to question if our usual busyness is really fruitfulness……or if it is in fact just uselessness?

If America truly let 9-11 change it, why has God’s face been spat in so much for the past 19 years?

Why does this nation forget God when things go back to normal?

Will the same happen with COVID-19? Will this nation forget that we aren’t automatically entitled to a well-stocked grocery store? That we aren’t entitled to good health? Our jobs? Traveling? A full sports arena? A night out with friends? Being able to physically attend our churches?

Maybe we should live every day more like we did during 9-11 and like we do during COVID-19…..more like we are in a quarantine where every single item and person we have is a blessing.

Stop…..smell the flowers…..cherish the fresh air….be thankful.

If you live in Nashville, you also recently experienced the tornado RIGHT before the pandemic hit. We never really had a break. We went straight from disaster to pandemic. Though we personally were blessed to be missed by about 0.4 of a mile, we spent days without power.

Nearby homes and businesses were destroyed. Lives were lost. I felt guilty for even wishing the power would come back on. It seemed so petty. So not fair.

….And I will never ever forget taking shelter in that bathtub holding my innocent, sleeping, (almost 8 mo. old), daughter. Suddenly NOTHING else mattered except her safety, my husband’s safety, my dog’s safety and our salvation.

As I heard the tornado loud and clear, it sounded like the loudest jet I’ve ever heard (and we live close to the airport).

For a second, I thought about how “this” could be it.

But deep down, I believed we were being protected….and that we still had more to do for the kingdom.

And there it is guys.

Why don’t we live every day as if nothing else matters except love, the word of God and everyone’s salvation? Why don’t we live every day thankful that God has given us another chance?

There is nothing wrong in itself with entertainment, sports, music and things that aren’t especially significant…..But maybe [with] those things, we should live every day a little more like we do during a national pandemic or a natural disaster.

Electricity? It’s a blessing. Food? Some are going hungry. Water? Some are experiencing dehydration.

Every bite we take…..every drop of water we drink….it’s a blessing.

The roof over our head….it’s a blessing.

The cars we drive and our access to gas..it’s a blessing.

The people in our home….they’re a blessing.

Being able to find things like milk, eggs, meat, bread, toilet paper and paper towels…..what a blessing.

Having the freedom to sit in church….Wow. Amazing.

Getting a regular paycheck that allows you to pay your bills. What did you do to ever deserve it?

Now, I know in the middle of crisis, people are quick to question God. Over the years, my Pastor has been so helpful in this area. His teachings have truly transformed my life. He has helped me and so many others to see that God is not a car-wrecking, cancer-causing God. He’s a loving creator.

We, however, are living in a cursed world with a bad devil….where sometimes bad things do happen to good people. And if these bad things do happen? We ALWAYS have the hope of heaven, as long as we choose to. The devil can never ever take away our eternal hope, unless we let him. His time to wreck havoc is short….very short. So there you have it….good God, bad devil, cursed world.

No. God did not create this virus. No. He did not bring the tornado through Nashville to teach us something. No. He did not just sit back and allow 9-11. But guess what? He can be found in the midst of our pain. As I said earlier, he is in the business of bringing good out of the bad. He knows how to turn things around.

I DO believe he is wanting to work in this hour in a way unlike anything we’ve ever seen.

If God cannot get our attention in this pandemic….then when can He?

Maybe if we lived every day like finding a pack of meat was the highlight of our day, then he just may have our attention?

Maybe if we lived every day like we aren’t entitled to hosting our child’s birthday celebration….we may be making some serious progress in the thankfulness department?

Maybe if we lived every day like a wedding reception is a very special and unusual blessing….we just may be changing as people.

Maybe if we lived every day like hanging out in pajamas, holding your child longer and reading a few more books to him or her, is heaven on earth…..just maybe, we may be allowing God to reach and teach us?

Right now, we have a chance to organize….a chance to purge. A chance to get our homes together. But I’m not just talking about our homes. I’m talking about our lives. We have a chance to call old friends and to reach out. A chance to love and treat our families better than we ever have. A chance to spend more time in prayer and in the word of God.

We don’t have after school activities, PTA or girl’s nights out.

Even old broadway is more silent than its ever been. We will just have to find something else to do.

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With all of that said, do I think we are in the last, last days?

Only God knows for sure. I have many reasons and scriptures I can point to which make me believe we are…but remember, God’s timeline is not ours. In Heaven where life is eternal, 20 years on earth is but a drop in the bucket, and very well could be considered the last last days. So the last, last days COULD mean we have another 20-400 years here on earth. I don’t know. Only God knows. I’m not claiming to know the day or the hour, but if you follow prophecy at all….we are getting strong warnings that we need to take heed and be ready. It’s time for us to prioritize and examine what really matters. It’s time for us to eliminate what isn’t fruitful or necessary. Regardless of if Christ is coming now, or 20 years from now….we need to be ready.

Thankfully, when we have the hope of heaven, we do not have to fear the last days. We can simply enjoy the here and now…..but we can live life knowing that the best is yet to come.

But still….our earthly lives can change in an instant. Nashvillians know that for not one but TWO reasons lately.

That tornado ripping through could’ve changed any of our lives in an instant. About as soon as we got our power back and our grocery stores operating as normal…..then came the quarantine. We could’ve never predicted what March and April (and possibly longer) was going to look like.

In that same way that our lives can change in an instant, why don’t people remember that Christ can come back in an instant? Why wouldn’t He? Remember, He says he will come like a thief in the night. We cannot always predict that next tornado or that next worldwide virus pandemic, but we CAN know for sure that He is coming back at some point….so why do we prepare less or not at all…. for what we know is FOR SURE?

The only certain thing is Jesus Christ….and thank goodness that’s a certainty! We can live in peace no matter what our current circumstances may look like. If the worst thing we fear will happen, happens, then we just go to heaven, right? And let me tell you, fear does NOT exist in heaven.

Do I think we are going to pull through this and have some beautiful and prosperous days ahead here on earth? I do. I really do. I don’t know for how long, but I do believe God has A LOT he still wants to do. As the noise and distractions are turned off, I believe God is moving mountains and transforming lives. I believe he’s doing an amazing work in our nation and in our world. I believe this is actually a beautiful time to be alive. Can it be scary? Of course. Even though the Bible tells us over and over and over again not to fear, I’d be lying if I were to say that I never have here and there moments of fear.

I’d also be lying if I were to say I never have sad or discouraging days. In fact, right before I wrote this blog, I was starting to have one of those. Then, God reminded me that the best way to get over my sadness is to encourage others today. He reminded me that he put this post on my heart weeks ago. And as I write this, I’m feeling less and less discouraged.

As my pastor also recently said, “I don’t get down. I’m either up…or I’m getting up!”

That is me today. I’m having to get up. But as I’m taking in what I’m typing….I’m almost completely back on my feet.

You can be too.

And here you are.

YOU. I believe God sees YOU as a potential warrior and victor. He otherwise wouldn’t have chosen you to be alive at this hour. These times are not for the weak and the faint at heart. [However, without him, we can certainly feel both weak and faint at heart]. I believe there is a reason he has each and every one of us here for this hour.

He is the one who created heaven and earth and pre-plans everything…and HE decided a long time ago, that you and I, and our children should be here for a time such as this. That must mean we ALL have great potential and value that can very positively contribute to this world.

I believe this is a time of a worldwide awakening. I believe He is going to open eyes and transform hearts. I believe he is going to restore and renew. I also believe he is going to expose corruption and clean house in this nation. I believe there had to be a time such as this for certain things to be brought to light (that is a different blog for a different day, so I will end that topic there).

Remember though, God finds a way to bring good out of the bad. He works all things together for the good of those who love him.

So if you find yourself bored? Get into the word. There’s no better time than now. Write a friend a handwritten letter. Organize that messy drawer. Scrapbook. Start a blog. FaceTime an old friend. There’s no better time to catch up than now.

Surprisingly I haven’t had any shortage of things to do during the quarantine. In fact, my house is still not where I want it to be. We do work from home (right now, 5 days a week), so from 8-4:30 each day, my work life does go on as normal. I guess maybe I have an excuse to STILL feel behind? But as I focus on what is truly important, I don’t feel so bad about what’s left undone.

So in the meantime, I’m spending a lot of time with my daughter, husband and dog. [Let’s just say, this quarantine is Rosco’s dream come true. He never has liked being alone, even if for only a few hours..so this is paradise for him] I hate the virus situation, but I do cherish the stillness of this time. I do have peace in this storm.

I plan to print pictures online, and to work on organizing Clara’s photo albums. I also plan to continue crocheting, writing, organizing the house and working on those projects I’ve been putting off.

I am also going to attend church via livestream (we call it lifestream), every Wednesday and every weekend. This is also my year to read the whole Bible, so you can bet I’m sticking with that plan too….even if I do sometimes get behind for a few days. I will always find a way to catch back up! Because guess what? My hope is in Christ, so he deserves all of my attention that he can get. I’m just glad that I can give him more attention than ever right now.

So yes. This hour is really really showing us our hope is not in materials, entertainment, the stock market, the economy, possessions, money, jobs, or even other people.

All of the above have always been areas of false hope, but our human nature at times can tempt us into making these things our hope.

But now that the false hopes are ripped away, what is left? The REAL HOPE! Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is what is left…and thank God for that! He is the same today, yesterday and forever.

We may not know what tomorrow will bring….or even if we have a tomorrow. But we can know that no matter what comes, we can be safe in his presence. And with that assurance? We have nothing to fear.

But as long as we live here on earth……let us never forget this hour…

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Treat everything like “new”

hollymarietong Encouragement, Personal Growth November 1, 2016April 6, 2017bible, christian, christian life, contentment, faith, family, friendships, jesus, love, personal growth, relationships, self improvement, thankful, thankfulness 2 Comments

house-2

“Treat everything like new….and nothing will ever get old.”

Those are the words God placed in my spirit as I climbed into my 2013 Honda CRV yesterday. Then, I let him deal with me a little more. Though my car is 3 going on 4 years old, I need to continue to treat it as if it’s new. I need to especially treat it as new since I’m planning on being car payment free for years to come. If my car is still looking, driving and feeling great, I’ll be less tempted to trade it in before needed. He’s been telling me to love and care for that vehicle like I did on day one of owning it, but today, he asked me to treat everything as if it’s new.

He placed it on my heart that when we stop treating our blessings as new, it’s possible that we’re subconsciously being a little less thankful than we ought to be. Maybe this only applies to me, but I was thinking about how sometimes the newness of my possessions wear off for me. When that newness wears off, I can take things for granted, if not careful. Now, don’t get me wrong. I consider myself a very thankful person. However, if I’m ALWAYS being as thankful as I can be, why do I eventually get a little careless over time? I always love that new car when I first get it. I’m washing it, sweeping it, and taking it in for regular maintenance before it’s even time. But then, I’ve had a habit of gradually caring about it just a little less. Gradually it gets a little messier. Gradually I cut down on the washing and the sweeping. Maybe I’ll go over just a little more on those regular maintenance suggestions than what I did in the beginning. Then, as the new body styles come out….I kind of wish I had the newer look instead.

It’s not just my car. Even the newness of my home has worn off just a little. It’s 2,125 square feet to clean, and unfortunately it doesn’t clean itself. It wasn’t long after I moved in that it was time to replace a lot of its original amenities. It looked so new when I moved in. Now, when I look around, it seems a little older than that first time I walked through it with stars in my eyes. I love it, and I’m beyond thankful, but that ungrateful attitude occasionally creeps in.

God didn’t stop there though. I could probably be even more careful with the laptops and iPhones he provides me with. I need to keep up with the necessary updates and the virus protections. I should take good care of my screens and clean them regularly. I need to treat them like new.

And why do I stop putting my glasses in their case? I’m simply inviting scratches and damages.

Why does my new purse eventually fill up with receipts and other junk?

Why do I start out so excited about a new side business venture, and then just kind of stop working at it? “Finish what you start,” is another thing He’s dealing with me on, but that’s a whole separate blog in itself.

The point is this, my friends: When we start getting careless with anything, we’re in the danger zone of unthankfulness, whether we realize it or not. Someone out there would LOVE to have what we’ve already grown tired of. When we get careless, stop nurturing and start getting lazy with our regular maintenance, we’re also shortening the lifespan of things that could possibly last longer. In the long run, it’s that attitude that causes us more time, money and trouble. In the long run, we are not really being the best steward we can be.

What about your job? Treat it like it’s new. Treat it like it pays you double the salary you actually receive. Someone out there is praying for a job half as good as yours.

Your friendships? Treat them like they’re new. Someone out there wishes they had a supportive friend like yours.

Your family? Treat them like they’re new. Your children might be driving you crazy, but someone out there is praying to have just one child.

Your rescue dog? Treat him like he’s new. He still looks at you as if you’re new. It’s that same love he felt for you when you rescued him from that lonely kennel of uncertainty. I guarantee it.

Your relationship? Treat it like it’s new. I certainly can’t speak for everyone. In my situation though, I know there’s plenty of women out there that would love to have someone as handsome, sweet, driven, smart, loyal and responsible as my guy. Therefore, I always want to be thankful without waiver.

I have to honestly say I’ve always treated my relationship, loved ones and my dog as if they’re new. I may stumble in the “treating possessions like they’re new” area, but I always remain very dedicated to the people in my life. Even if I sometimes get bad at picking up the phone, my love and loyalty remains the same. It seems to be a strength of mine, and I pray it stays one.

Interestingly enough, my romantic relationship is part of what inspired me to start treating everything else as if it’s new. Yes, that’s right. My boyfriend is so much better at this “treat everything like its new” thing than I am. He takes really good care of everything he owns: His car, his suits, his sunglasses, his work space, his flash drives and pretty much everything else. I love that about him. He’s been teaching me the “treat everything like its new” concept without even realizing it. Best of all? He treats me like I’m new to his life…but we’re of course increasingly more comfortable and know each other on a much deeper level than the beginning of our relationship. Still, he continues to make me feel just as special and cared about as day one….actually even more so now.

Let the bible be your guide concerning your own relationship. It says a whole lot about love, loyalty and commitment. If you need wisdom in this area, just ask God, and he will be glad to give it to you. (James 1:5)

Yes, many possessions and jobs (NOT good, loyal, committed people) eventually need replacing….but it seems that the longer we treat something as new, the better the chance we stand at it lasting longer (in some cases, forever). The better we treat anything, the more fulfilling it will be. Even if something grows too old to keep, we probably made it last longer if we always treated it as new. The possession may have grown old in years, but it doesn’t have to grow old in our hearts. If we loved it enough, we’ll dread the day it needs replaced. We also simply remain more thankful for those possessions and opportunities whether we realize it or not. Now, don’t hear me wrong here. I’m certainly NOT encouraging materialism. I’m actually encouraging an attitude of thankfulness, appreciation and contentment with what He’s already blessed us with.

When we treat everything as if it’s new….it never gets old.

Key verse: (In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you). -1 Thessalonians 5:18