Crumbs or feasting? Well, it depends on the setting.
It is so easy in our society to get caught up in the material things. More money, more things, bigger houses, newer stuff. And yet, when we get all that, are we happy? If we put more effort into our house than into our home, our family – will it be a happy place?
That is what I love about this verse. It reminds us that it is not what we own that gives us joy and peace and happiness: “Better is a dry morsel with quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.” (Proverbs 17:1) With Thanksgiving approaching, I am always sad when I hear people say they are dreading the holiday due to all the family tension they know they will encounter when everyone gets together. It’s a house full of feasting – but if there is strife, there is little joy in it. On the other hand, when the family relationships are truly happy, loving and peaceful, it is joyful to be together, even if the food is meager and simple.
It’s not that owning nice things, or having large homes, or delicious food is wrong at all – it’s just that if we make the decision to trade off peace and love in our relationships in favor of more things, we’ve made a very short sighted decision that will not be fulfilling in the end. And it’s not like any of us get up in the morning and say, “Hm, I think I’ll skip out on joy today and just try to get stuff.” No, it’s much more subtle – it comes down much more to how we spend the bulk of our time. And I’m saying this to myself as much as anyone!
So here is another 8×10 printable to use as a reminder of what is truly important. I made it to coordinate with last week’s printable, which was also a “Better is…” verse. There are so many encouraging “better is” verses in Proverbs. You can take a look at them here.
Is this topic something that resonated with you? I know it is something I need to think about everyday.
Leave your thoughts and comments below, I love to hear from you. :)
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Love this! Your blog has quickly become one of my favorites, and I just debuted my new wordpress, self-hosted site inspired by your tutorials! God bless you!
Hi April!
What a great post. I really enjoyed reading this – such a good reminder. Also thought it was really funny that you posted it today because I spent almost all day planning a presentation for a Christian women’s retreat this weekend. The point you’re making ties in so well – I think I will do a plug for your etsy shop!
An excellent reminder, April. It’s sooo easy to get caught up in things!
and thank you for the lovely printable too!
This is so true! I see it in my husband’s family, who just cover over problems and then expect everyone to get together and pretend to have a great holiday or relationship. But more than that, I need to remember it in my home and enjoy the moments I have with my husband rather than feeling bad that because of his job, they are so few. I’m going to print this out and put it in my kitchen!
Thought you would find this funny: I printed this out yesterday, put it up in my kitchen, and then argued with my husband over dinner. Sigh. (facepalm)
Thank you for the lovely reminder!