I like pretty things, and someone once said that "mama can't have pretty things." They were wrong. This mama has pretty things and loves pretty things. But, I'm learning that this mama can't have sacred things. I know that my walls will get drawn on, furniture will break, stains will happen, and the dishes might never get done. It's never going to be perfect. Especially when it comes to decorating. Instead of perfect, I make due with what I have:
I paint chairs that I get for free. Even when Fern wakes up early and I'm so close to finishing the first coat. Perfect would say "buy something that is exactly what you want." Beautiful says, "no thanks. These chairs will look great painted white."
Perfect says, "buy that desk and filing system from Pottery Barn. They're very expensive, but worth it." Beautiful says, "Don't waste the money on something that can be easily damaged by toddlers. Make the one like you saw at your friend's house. It will cost less than $30."
Perfect says, "hire a decorator to pick something out that is perfect for Fern's room." Beautiful says, "but that's not fun! Make something for her walls-like something from pallets!"
Perfect says, "wait for the perfect shelves that are the perfect height and looks so pretty." Beautiful says, "go ahead. Let John saw down the ones already here. They'll work well and don't cost a thing!"
Perfect says, "a china cabinet is the proper storage for china and dishes." Beautiful says, "oh no you didn't, perfect! A massive TV cabinet will do the job just fine!"
Perfect says, "Floral arrangements are worth the money, even if they last for only a week." Beautiful says, "Girl, just take some scissors to those bushes outside and stuff 'em in a pretty container."
When I have elements that aren't expensive and easy to do/make/create, then it takes the pressure off of myself to strive for perfect. Taking simple things and letting them "make due" frees me up from worrying about the state of things. If things don't start perfectly, then I don't have to keep them perfect and I get to enjoy my life and not worry. That is a beautiful thing.
This post exactly sums up my "Use the Good Dishes!" philosophy.....I just love this!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful started sounding pretty ghetto-voiced as the post went on! :)
ReplyDeletehaha
abby
love this post :)
ReplyDeleteLove, love, LOVE this post!!!
ReplyDeleteI.love.your.post!!! And the picture of you holding your sweet baby girl while putting the finishing touches on your chairs is priceless! :o) I just finished putting my last coat of paint on a farmhouse table that has been with us since our children were born. :o) I would much rather paint this table and chairs cream, than go out and buy a new one. :o) There are still scratches on the chairs from my daughters buckles, to her sweet little toddler shoes. I don't want to cover them up. :o) Too many dear memories... she is 19 now!
ReplyDeleteI really love this post - The Nester posted a link on her blog and that's how I found you. Very well written - thanks!
ReplyDeleteFound you through The Nester, and I love this sentiment! You sum it up so simply and perfectly. Have a fabulous weekend :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! Having just recently moved into a new house (last year) I find that I am stressed when I decorate and it's not perfect. The house appeared perfect when we moved in and I almost feel stressed to live up to its standards. But then I realize perfect isn't real. I can easily look around and see that even in it's shininess my house was not perfect and the areas that I have changed to make "ours" may not be a perfect paint job or a perfectly hung frame, it is ours and it is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for illustrating that perfectly. ;)
I just stopped by your blog via the Nester...and I have to say I LOVE this post! I can't wait to read other ones as well now! Love that you care and love your family, and that you know things are just things (even when they are pretty)! Really touched my heart when you said that it's when things become sacred that it turns into a problem. Thank you for taking the time to write this beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteKristine
p.s. Saw the Tim Keller book on your shelf..he's one of our favorite authors/pastors!! :-)
I am so going to go cut my bushes!!!! Love that idea!
ReplyDeleteAmen sister! Beautiful!
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful post! for the last 10 years I've focused on the perfect, and lost site of my family and home. today I focus on the beautiful and love my kids and husband and can't wait to start the next project. thank you for saying it so BEAUTIFULLY!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Inspiring! :)
ReplyDeleteReally great post! Thanks for sharing : )
ReplyDeleteFrom one barefoot walker to another: I love your "can-do" "make-do" attitude!
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so very glad Nester sent me over here. Your words are a goldmine. Happy Monday!
ReplyDeleteLove your thinking. ;)~Heather R.
ReplyDeleteLove this post! With so much inspiration out there on the internet especially blogs it's hard to try and make do with you have. I needed to hear this. Thanks :-)
ReplyDeleteLove the pic of you holding your baby and painting at the same time. Ha I remember those days. My baby is 2 and a half now, but we hope to have another baby soon! So, it will back to extreme multitasking again. Ha
ReplyDeleteHello! I discovered you from a very random stop at The Nester, and I'm very glad I did. I have gone back at least 3 pages of "older posts" and I keep loving all that I see and read. I am a barefoot gal too! Thanks for sharing all your simple beauty and realness. :)
ReplyDeleteSo, I don't read The Nester - but I guess you're kind of big deal now, huh? Congratulations!!!!! So excited for you.
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I'm on my way out the door now to trim some greenery off my shrub and put it in a container!
ReplyDeleteI love this post....I pinned it for future inspiration. So many nuggets of truth here :) My problem is, I'm best friends with Perfect and I don't know Beautiful too well.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I should invite her over sometimes :)
blessings,
karianne