JUST A NOTE ON A CHANGING LIFESTYLE:

The facetious irony of life is sometimes so hysterical. When I worked 4 jobs and maintained my way of living, I could never find time to keep up with myself. Every few months or so I would swap out a mani/peti at the nail salon or get some highlights in my hair, maybe even a new sweater for work. I enjoyed a lunch, movie or night out with friends; even that over-priced coffee made my weekly slave-routine worth it. It has finally come to my attention all of the frivelous money I so reluctantly didnt pay attention to, has been thrown out the window. These little treasures of mine really made working as much as I did more tolerable, but I was always rushed to do them. never enough time, never a night off on the weekends or in between jobs.

Now I sit, so far away from anyone I know, still in Pennsylvania. I have one job. One job that I wouldnt give up for all of the money in the world, afterall, money really does not buy happiness, (sure it helps, but worldly items are only worth a temporary smile). I have been in this hotel for 4 days now while clouds fill my flight path to my friends. The tables have so bitterly turned. I have all of the time in the world to do what I want.

So I thought today, im growing my nails out (a biting habit I finally broke after years of disgusting gnawing) and I wanted to get a $15 manicure. Or maybe, since my hair is growing like crazy, I would get my roots touched up to my bright shiny blonde color that I love so much. Usually a $65 splurge every 3 months. hmmm, forget the glitz and glam, who am I going to be impressing on this trip, i mean, im only 6 weeks into it, how about a movie? $10 ticket, and sneak in some snacks, probably $5 worth. Oh wait, I dont have a rental car, and the theater is about a 3 mile walk in 33 degree weather. How about making christmas cards? sweet! that was fun! My photo came out good, now to print and send them out.... $20 to print, and god knows how much for envelopes and stamps...

At this point, I realized, with $14.00 in my bank account for the rest of this week, Im not going anywhere in this stupid town. By no means is this note meant for anyone who reads it to condone self pity on me or feel sorry for me. It is a learning experience I wanted to share so YOU can take a step back and analyze things that are important to YOU. My favorite author Joyce Meyer wrote a book called "eat the cookie, buy the shoes" and I cant come to terms to read this one. Now that money IS an object, its a breathe of harsh and excruciating fresh air to breath in. This is Gods way of MAKING me spend time with him. I have nothing. Nothing to do, no money to spend, no place to go, no friends to see, no clear skies to fly in. Of course I spend time with him on a daily basis: I read my 2 page devotional in the morning, and say a quick prayer before bed (you know, the whole "now I lay me, down to sleep.."bit) but now, its not at my leisure, He gave me sooooo many chances to make my own choice: go do worldly things, or give him more of my time.

Its so crazy that once you have an "AHA!" moment, those moments slowly become easier to spot. My first one was when this entire summer played out, and every single event that occurred lined up perfectly for me to take this job. Now, I see bits and pieces of these moments come together more frequently.

Have you had your "AHA!" moment? or are you blinded by your own worldly ways?..... food for thought. Now im off to grab some free coffee in the hotel lobby and eat my own words.