New experiences

The past week has seen me spending quite a bit of free (actually it's a task as well) time at house fixtures shops, furniture malls and so on. I think I take this house reno thing quite seriously - and work hard at finding out the nuts and bolts of types of awning materials, tiles, grilles, doors and everything else a house might need. Not that I need to change that many things - the house comes with some fixtures that are still in good condition. But, there are some things that need replacing and some fixtures are missing.

This is a new experience for me at the age of fifty, since I've stayed put in the same place for 20 years.....and in the past, the condo was newly built and I just got an interior design person to do the running for me. Well, I'm pleased that the cupboards, and other fixtures have lasted 20 years and in this whole time, I've never had to shop for all the items I'm now looking for. Times have changed - there are many more choices now - and I found myself with pen and notebook and measuring tape taking down notes at several shops.

The temptations have also been great. After seeing a relative's house with 'expensive' fittings - I imagined and daydreamed with relish the thought of having them too. Until I found out the price!! It was still tempting to rationalize.......until in prayer, I had to lay it all before the Lord and ask for the freedom to choose wisely, and with an eye on the practical. In the end, by God's ever present grace, it was easy enough to let go, and quite willingly choose the more economical and practical, and without wastefulness.

There are many items that are no longer on my list. Yet, it was fun to shop, and find out what's available these days. It was also enlightening to find that prices for similar items can differ greatly, from place to place, even though each place is supposed to be on 'sale'. Finally, it was freeing to say no to the un-necessary frills, and to practice and accept the discipline of simplicity.