Like a lot of people out there, I enjoy a great DIY project.
But it almost seems like with the popularity of Pinterest, DIY blogs and home stores, the DIY projects are causing us to never be satisfied. I’ll admit, I’m the same way and I’m trying to step back and take a breather. I’m literally in the middle of several DIY projects in my house and I’ve just run out of steam.
I love doing these things myself, but wonder why I can’t just be satisfied with how things are? Why can’t we ever be satisfied with what we already have and always want more and more? Am I a bad person because I want nice things, a nice home and really nice wallpaper in my guest bath? Does it make it even more impressive if I do it myself?
I think about my parents and my grandparents. They don’t have big, fancy houses, and they are satisfied with that. My grandmother doesn’t sit around wondering if she should have granite counter-tops and my mom doesn’t constantly think about how to decorate or improve her house – because they are satisfied.
The ability to share so much of our personal lives online – is it driving us to impress even our online friends? Even though we don’t have cocktail parties, do we still feel the need to invite the world into our homes to show off our latest gallery wall or mantel design? At what point does it stop being fun and start becoming a chore to keep up, out-do and outshine each other? I admit, I get caught up in it too – and yes, I enjoy nice things, and want a pretty house – but guess what, if I don’t wallpaper, paint and re-caulk my guest bathroom all in one weekend, it doesn’t make me less than others out there that can.
Off to the Big Book let’s go to get some guidance on this…and a verse to help me remember my focus:
1 Timothy 6:6-8
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Yep, that says it all – in the end, none of this matters – and that’s where we need to keep our focus. That’s where I need to keep my focus.
So what about you? Do you DIY and why (be very honest)?
Carol February 21, 2013 at 7:26 pm
I don’t DIY but my husband is a master. We plan and he executes. For us, it’s about having a creative outlet and pride in an accomplished project rather than a keeping up with the bloggers. I do agree with you though that sometimes we get carried away because there are so many possible options and projects. Taking a break is a great idea!
Carol Anne February 22, 2013 at 1:54 pm
Wow, what a great and honest post! You are an inspiration.
Erin @ Blue-Eyed Bride February 24, 2013 at 1:58 pm
Three cheers for Wendy! Love it!!
Jennifer February 25, 2013 at 2:59 pm
This is so true! I’ve become discontent with my house because there is always a pinterest project to do! I’d love to just relax and be content and focus on my family!
Lulu February 27, 2013 at 4:26 pm
Came to this post via Erin @ The Blue-Eyed Bride… Oh man, this is SO needed right now… I feel like I should tattoo 1 Timothy 6:6-8 on my forehead right now. Though I’d have to tattoo it backwards so I could read it in the mirror each day, and that would probably look pretty weird to anyone who passed by me.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Wendy February 27, 2013 at 5:22 pm
You are welcome!! Thanks for visiting and thanks for the comment!