Of Bliss, Beauty and Blessings

I didn't come from a wealthy family nor was I raised from an economically-challenged household. Let's just say that my siblings and I were blessed to have two good parents who did everything to make our childhood days and lives a little bit easy. We didn't always have what we want but what we needed were always given to us.

I grew up and lived the kind of life I wanted: pampered and sheltered but never spoiled. Besides my parents who still supported me even when I had my own job, I was blessed to have siblings who saw me through in one way or another. I had a pretty "good" life if you may call it that. Then I got married. Still, it was favorable, for both my husband and I had jobs that sufficiently provided our daily needs. Things began to change though when I opted to be a SAHM (stay-at-home mom) after I gave birth to our first-born daughter. The family's needs were not directly proportional to the household income; the law of supply and demand was never applicable, there was a high demand for cash yet still there was only ample supply. Of course it was hard on me. I felt like I hit the rock bottom. It was not the kind of life I wanted for my budding family, more so for my daughter.

Almost three years have passed and I would say things are quite different now. I wish I could tell you that, "hey, myhusband's salary now has left us thinking what to buy next", or maybe like, "there's more supply (of cash) than demand (needs)." No,that's not the turnaround I'm talking about. It's more on the inward change; on how I see and perceive things, what is important or what matters most.

I learned to be more grateful for every simple thing my family and I receive. A piece of Magnum Gold given to me by a former boss; a book/s lent to me by a friend/s without due date; a call/text from a friend whom I have not seen for a long time; a toy truck lent to our daughter; a simple dinner at a friend's house; dresses given to our daughter as gift; a once-in-a-blue moon dinner/lunch date with hubby and baby; a family walk in the neighborhood at night and finding cozy coffee shops; a short trip to the bookstores; a cup of brewed coffee; a Bible verse that speaks volume to my heart; workshops/seminars I am able to attend because someone paid on my behalf; a trip/travel with hubby/daddy even if baby and I would just stay in a budget-friendly hotel while Daddy is conducting training/seminar; a video chat with my parents and siblings; a visit to my in-laws' house or lunch out with them; moments I spend with my daughter; eating lunch together at home; having someone come to the house to do the laundry and ironing of clothes; hubby washing the dishes or cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner or massaging my tired feet; hugs, kisses and the sweet I love yous from my daughter; I could go on and on and you'll see one common thing: I'm thankful for simple things that life offers me. This is the beauty of life's curve ball; one's outlook deepens, perspective widens.

I feel blessed that God has given me the joy that is not dependent on material things. I may not have the latest gadget nor the most expensive shoes, designer bags or fashionable clothes but I'm content. Frankly, I don't need a lot to be happy. I have what I need for my God has not failed to supply it. I find this a blessing and also my bliss.