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Tuesday, June 2, 2015

The Happy, Small Life

Pacific Northwest rural road from DreamsTime.com.
I read an article in the Seattle Times the other day wherein the author, op-ed columnist David Brooks, wrote about a recent survey that had surprised him.  The survey was about whether reaching "big goals" caused those who reached them to become more satisfied in life.  Did such goals represent their purpose?

As I recall, the answer to that question was ambivalent - sometimes it did and sometimes it didn't. What surprised the writer more, however, was something else altogether. He called it the "happy small life."

Several respondents described themselves as happy with their lives, not due to any single great accomplishment, or goal they had achieved; but rather, they described their families, their gardens, their friendships, and how those things had led them to a happy life. They talked about kindness and generosity.
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We attended a wedding weekend before last, a small but joyful backyard ceremony.  It was held at the home of the bride's grandparents and her grandfather had personally built the archway / trellis under which they exchanged their vows. The groom was in his Air Force dress blues and the bride was a beautiful sight in her wedding dress. 

The weather was perfect as it topped just above seventy degrees with a gentle breeze.  Hummingbirds flitted around several feeders placed among the strands of winking lights all over the yard.

Someone told me not long ago that the average wedding now costs approximately $10,000 and that many spend well over $25,000.  The first house we bought cost only $26,500. I realize that was nearly two generations ago now, but still .... . What are people thinking?

I cannot begin to guess.  But I know what this young couple was thinking about when they planned their modest backyard celebration. I know because one of the grandmothers told me about it during the reception.  They were thinking of a starting their new life together with no debt and with a little money with which to make their first home; which would be a small sparsely furnished apartment on a military base in Montana.  And they were happy as could be about it.

Perhaps they also have big dreams.  I do not know.  All I know is that this young couple had already reached their first major goal in life:  a wedding that was held in a place that was meaningful to them, with lots of family and friends in attendance, and without spending a small fortune they had made it lovely. It was fun, too!

One of the more touching parts of their ceremony was one of the scriptures they had chosen.  It was Jeremiah 29:11.
                 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to bless you and not to harm you; to give you a future and hope.

Those two kids are going to do alright, if they hang onto that promise. And if they keep making the kind of choices that, even if modest in the eyes of others, make them happy.
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This week we are traveling in the Pacific Northwest. It is beautiful here, as it always is.  But we have noticed that it is no more beautiful than where we live every day.  Different, yes.  But not better.  We have a small happy life on a half-acre in Paradise.  And we are thankful.                     # # #

Hope your half-acre, wherever it may be today, is happy.  Until next time, your grateful gardener ~ Marsha

11 comments:

  1. So happy to find you again, Marsha. For some reason I thought you had quit blogging. I've missed you! Our youngest daughter had a very similar wedding in March. It was beautiful. Hope you read about it on my blog. Her young man was also a young airman. Sometimes the simplest of things are the sweetest.

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    1. Sweet Tea, Nice to hear from you again. Yes, I did stop blogging for quite awhile and then discovered that I missed it. So I have been back for a little while now. I did see some of your daughter's wedding pictures of your blog - very lovely. Blessings to you - Marsha

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  2. I agree!
    Simple and small has made my life so much better. I don't know if it's age but I'm content with just enjoying our backyard!

    Say "Hi" to the Pacific Northwest!
    We just moved away from there. Yes, it's lovely there, but so is our new home.

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    1. Hi, Christine - yes, I read that you had moved. Hope you are enjoying your new home.

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  3. That young couple is starting off married life in the ideal way. I do not understand big expensive weddings. Brooks noticed something quite true, little happy moments happening give joy.

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    1. Terra, I agree - and I have found that even a small moment of joy, can have a lasting effect on one's peace.

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  4. This is so true! My hubby has a brother who has a big fancy house, with lots of property and I've always said we're happier in our little house than they are in their big house.
    Enjoy your trip - I know you will!

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    1. Mari,
      Hi. I think you are right - in fact, doesn't Proverbs say something about "better a meal of bread crusts with peace, than a banquet with strife" - or words to that effect?
      We are enjoying the trip, thanks.

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  5. Sounds like a lovely wedding, and a wise couple. When my oldest son got married a couple of years ago, they had a small wedding, too. But, it was personal, intimate, fun, and perfect. And it wasn't just me that felt it - everyone said the same. Meaning, not money, is what counts.

    You know, Marsha, it seems that the older I get the more I appreciate the *smaller* things in life. Peace and quiet is much more meaningful than money or fame. My family brings me great comfort and joy. And I enjoy the simplicity of my mountain surroundings.

    I think the secret to contentment is realizing that what you really want in life is already yours.

    GOD BLESS!

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  6. Sharon, Well said - and I absolutely agree. Have a great day.

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  7. What a lovely post with so much truth and sounds like that couple is off to a great start!

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