Admiring and Desiring
Have you ever known someone who had something or had a quality that you admired or desired?
You may have a hard time thinking of something or someone, but just think about the desires you have to live in a different home, have a different style, want your home to look a certain way, or even just admire someone who is more patient than you.
Do I think that all admiring and desiring is bad? Not at all! In fact, I think people are put into our lives to remind us where we have been, but also the direction in life we want to be going. That is why I think being part of a community is so healthy! For example, for me personally, being around Christian women who live their lives for God, only encourage me in my faith, which makes me desire to be more like Christ. Or maybe you have a friend or family member who lives a very simple life. Have you ever admired their lifestyle or just ease in the way they live their life?
You may have an idea of what the “ideal” life is. If someone asked you to make a list of what your ideal life would look like, what would be on that list?
Seriously, sit down and make a list!
I once read a book called Amish Peace by Suzanne Woods Fisher. If you have not read it, I highly recommend picking this book up. It is an easy read, but much harder to apply. At the end of each chapter, she presents simple questions asking why you live the life you do and if you desired to live a different way, what it might take to accomplish that. The questions simple, the application, life-changing. She said a quote in there that has really stuck with me.
“If you admire our faith, strengthen yours. If you admire our sense of commitment, deepen yours. If you admire our community spirit, build your own. If you admire the simple life, cut back. If you admire deep character and enduring values, live them yourself.”
So often we have this ideal life we desire to live or see others and the lifestyle they live, and want the same. If you admire someone, instead of just admiring and desiring, think about what changes you need to make in order to live the desired life you want. This quote is obviously talking about those who admire the way the Amish live, which I definitely do! There are certain ways that they live, that I desire, such as their simplicity in life, their willingness to help others, their homemaking skills, and their faith. I have also tried to make conscious efforts to apply these desires to my own life and let me tell you, it takes time. It takes time to tweak the way you live. Be patient with yourself and allow room for growth!
The actions you take today effect your tomorrows! Before you know it, you will be living a life that others admire and desire!
