A couple weeks ago in relief society I was assigned to read a quote that mentioned something about being blessed with the things we want. The subject of my "wants" and my "needs" have been on my mind lately. Since being thrust into my current situation I have done some reevaluating and prioritizing of things that are important in life. I have had to distinguish between my wants and my needs. A few years ago they were two totally separate things. Today they are the same.
There was a time when I wanted a new granite counter-top in the kitchen of my home. Today I need a home. I remember wanting a big pantry that would hold my food in an orderly fashion. Today I need food. I liked having a nice new car to drive, but now I need gas to put in the car.
I have developed a whole new perspective to what I really need in life. Yes, it’s fun to dream and want nice things, but when we are thrust into a survival mode our wants are no longer frivolous items that we can live without – our wants become what we need.
Today I am living my greatest fear – poverty and homelessness. I thought it would be harder for me to live without money. I loved to shop. I loved to dress nice and fix up my home. I am surprised that I do not mourn the loss of that activity. I don’t even envy people I see walking out of stores with bags of purchased items. The activity I once loved I now fear. That fear has become the motivating factor that keeps me aware of what is really necessary in life. Maybe the burden of my circumstance have caused me to lose the spark inside of me, but if I ever climb out of this pit I have fallen into I will never allow this to happen to me again.
What I want has changed.
What I need has changed.
I have changed.
1 comment:
Isn't it nice to affirm that we can learn and grow at any age.
You are great!
Post a Comment