When I first downloaded the Pinterest app on my phone, I had no comprehension of the black hole for comparison and discontent staring me in the face. Glittering images of perfect weddings held at perfect venues with colors enhancing each bridesmaid's skin tone, and certainly thousands of dollars more than I might spend on my own wedding one day, splash my eyes. Even more realistically, the future home boards flash beautiful hardwood floors and cozy reading nooks tastefully cluttered with pillows, fuzzy rugs and rustic tableware. Perfectly executed winged eyeliner, something I have never encountered in my adventures with makeup, appears easy, and workout upon workout for the perfect arms, calves, thighs and abs leave me dizzy.
There is nothing wrong with dreaming, but I have found that when I spend 10 minutes, which often become 30 minutes, scrolling through Pinterest--or other social media--I quickly become discontent.
I don't want to live my life with the attitude of why don't I have a shiny new car? Why don't I have the latest iPhone? Why don't I have a perfectly decorated room? Why don't I have hair that behaves every day? Why don't I have exciting weekend plans scheduled out weeks in advance? Why are my arms not perfectly toned?
Why, why, why.
I need to stop in my tracks, and many days even when I realize that I need to stop, I don't because I want to complain. Yep, I admit it. Sometimes a pity party just feels good. However, it is also utterly sinful, so I can't make excuses. I know deep down that this is not the attitude I want or need, and it is certainly not an attitude that glorifies God.
When I find myself drifting toward--who am I kidding, often running toward--being unhappy about small parts of my life, I am screaming with my actions that what I have is not enough. That is such a lie. The moment I am in--and the moment you are in--is enough.
Messy house. Dirty laundry. Smudged makeup. No makeup at all. Second day outfit. Sweaty shoes. Single life. Married life. Chipped nails. Empty bank account. Spilled coffee.
Sisters in Christ, wherever you are, you have been placed there intentionally by a God who loves you. Yes, maybe it's a hot mess and years away from resembling your Pinterest board, but that is okay. It is okay to not be perfect, and it is okay to say no to things like Pinterest that make you feel less than content with the blessings you have in your life at the moment.
And, hey, sisters in Christ, dream big! I'm certainly not saying to delete your Pinterest account (I use mine frequently for fashion, clothes and reading material). If your Pinterest wedding becomes a reality or you finally buy the cute pair of heels you've been eyeing on your fashion board, good for you! Just know, it is okay--more than okay, it is good--to boldly say no to things that are making you discontent, and if your Pinterest boards never become real life, you are no less loved by your Creator.
