An act of obedience...

I wanted to share that I made a decision...a good one..in obedience to what I knew God was asking me to do..over and over but this time..I finally listened. Season after season, I have stared at my daughter's budding closet and I knew I was enjoying shopping for her a little too much. Everything for girls is just so cute and so fun. I never would have imagined that there were tights to match the skirt, a skirt that matched a top, a top that matched a hair bow. I could go on and on. There is so much. And my one big splurge....Matilda Jane. Oh it is my very favorite. I love how Abby looks in all the ruffle pants, knot dresses, ruffled leggings, peasant tops,.... It is so darn cute. I like it all...want it all...and became a member of a couple forums so that I could get it for much cheaper than retail and e-bay. I can also sell it often times for more than I pay for it. So, I rationalized this little hobby (browsing, chatting, shopping) a million ways. And every time I would log on to those boards, I would feel justified in what I was doing because I would see a 1000 other mom's just like me..doing the same thing and I would feel ok. But in the long run, it wasn't ok. The time, the energy, the money....it was all an investment. An investment put in to something so unimportant. An investment that often times came at the cost of spending quality time with my family. It was not just a physical consumption (sitting at a computer chatting and shopping) but a mental consumption as well (because I was always thinking about it). My little hobby had become more than a hobby. So, I cancelled my membership on both forums and have decided to step away for a while. I am reprioritizing my day and it feels so right. I know I am doing just as God has asked me to do and the reward has been so worth it. I start each morning with my bible study and instead of my kids waking up and seeing me piddle on the computer, I am reading and studying God's word. What an impact that must have... I know I will always enjoy kid's clothing...and there is nothing wrong with it in moderation. I know one day I will spoil my own grandkids rotten with cute clothes, shoes, dresses,..you name it... but that's not what my children need from me right now. They need me to parent and live by example and teach them about what is important in life. So, now I am not only teaching them about what is important but I am showing them as well.