The Look-For Less

Have you ever seen those outfit side by sides in magazines where they show you how you can get the look- for less?  I mean who doesn't want to save an extra buck?! I've come to realize that the only time you can truly get a look for less is in a magazine outfit side by side.  Are you confused? Let me explain.

So often I look at what's going on in the world and wonder why certain things aren't falling into place in my own little world.  I'll resist the urge to transform into Ariel and burst into song singing "Part of That Woooorrrllldd."  That song is going to be in your head now. You're welcome!

Ok, ok I digresss... so I sleuth out the world and I notice...

They are out of debt already- but I just bought a Starbucks coffee off of my budget plan.
She ran a 5k, but I just ate 5k in Reese's PB eggs.
She's always got a smile on her face, while I grumble nonstop.

These are just a few examples, and though they are a bit exaggerated, I hope you can see my point.  I am realizing, very slowly through a huge learning curve, that if I want a "look" or to reach a goal, etc. I can't get it by way of less.  I think our society is being built on the fast track, instant gratification way of life.  Yet, anything that is worth having, will always require more.  More discipline, more time, more effort, more, more, more...

This comes with a twist though. This is the part of the post where you can imagine me screaming PLOT TWIST!  You must do more, but also do less.  That might mean less Starbucks, PB eggs and complaining.  It might mean setting better boundaries with the people around you so you can reach those goals.  It's hard not to be available to people 24/7 with the invention of smart phones.  However, you don't have to be.  Give yourself permission to not answer that email, text, or phone call right away.  Be available to the moment.  If you're anything like me, you wonder what people are doing, how they are, etc.  Did you ever think to stop and check in with yourself like that?  How are you? What are you doing? Reflect so that you can reach those goals.  If people don't hear from you in the same capacity that they used to, you won't be forgotten and the moment you're in just might be remembered instead.  No more shortcuts with our time.  I can't be envious of someone who got out of debt by sticking to their budget.  They did more than I did.  Running a 5k won't happen magically.  It requires more training.  Now you can't forget about people all together you know.  I'm just saying that using our time wisely will actually help us to be more for everyone when we are with them.  Now go ahead and get that outfit look for less... and let it stop there.

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
Colossians 4:5

Love you all!