Our master
bathroom was undergoing renovation. While dealing with the demo mess, my
husband and I were relegated to the guest bathroom. As I was getting ready to
go out one morning, I became frustrated. Jack and I were vying for room around
the one available sink. In my angst, I said, “How did anyone ever get ready
before dual sink bathrooms?” It just took a moment before we both started to
laugh. We had just returned from visiting our son’s family in Eastern Europe.
They live in a country that is identified as a functional third world nation.
Our son, and his wife, have four young children. His family, of six, is
grateful for running water and electricity, because much of the country is not
blessed with these simple amenities. A dual sink? Such a luxury is beyond the
imagination of much of the world.
I must
confess; I am spoiled! I don’t even know how to distinguish between the things
that I truly need and those I just want. I feel entitled to many things that
the world, beyond our borders, doesn’t even realize exist. We live in a home of
about 2200 square feet. In our area, this is considered small. As we visited
our son, he said, “Mom, you and dad don’t need that big house. You could easily
live in 600 square feet.” I managed to pick my jaw up, off the floor, before he
saw it, or at least I think I did. I don’t know if there are any apartments
that small in our area, much less a house. The truth is, I don’t want to find
out. I got claustrophobic just imagining it.
My son’s family
is blessed with an understanding of what is enough. His wife prepares dinner
for the family each night and includes guests, three or four nights a week. She
puts forth a generous delicious spread. It is all prepared in a kitchen that is
about 5’ x 6’. She has a small refrigerator and very little cabinet space. The
counter space is almost non-existent, and the sink doesn’t drain without a
plunger to move it along. To add to that, the children want to help cook, and
she encourages it. The kitchen is just a microcosm of the differences in their
home and lives. The family does not feel deprived, and they live with a sense
of contentment. They understand the meaning of enough.
As a mom, I am proud. My son is now teaching me.
I may not be ready to sell out and move into a 600 square foot home yet, but he
has prompted thought. I am reevaluating my definition of “enough”. And, maybe,
that is enough for now.
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