My problem with Pinterest.

I know my weakness as a sinner in a fallen world - and one of them is beautiful things.


Pretty linens, vintage furniture, leather accessories, farm-esque collectibles...you get the idea.  


Now, all of these are good things and as they are, just fine.


Unfortunately, my taste exceeds my budget, and as many people do, I find myself pining after that which I cannot have.  But that $5000 vintage wood stove is so cool!  I know, I know it's cool.  But I just gotta get over it.


Hence, my problem with Pinterest.

It took me awhile to pinpoint why I felt so lonely and discouraged after time spent 'pinning', but then the good Lord revealed it to me.  Pinterest feeds my sin of coveting.  And coveting is a sin, my friend.


It wasn't intentional and it all sure seemed innocent enough - browse the website, find what you like, and 'pin it'.


On Pinterest, I could travel to Italy, Portugal, and France.  I could spent time on the beach in my hammock or up in the mountains in a picturesque cabin.  I could find the perfect gilded accessories for my living room.  I could bake perfect cakes with stone bakeware.  I could find those cool shoes I've always wanted and pair it with the perfect outfit.  I could have crafts prepared for every hour of the day.  I could have a marble shower with eleven squirting shower-heads and a wine cellar the size of a duplex. 


But that ain't the real world, sister.


Here I sit in second-hand jeans, a hand-me-down sweater with a hole in the sleeve, and mismatch socks.  And no, it's not stylish at all.  My office is clean, but ordinary, filled with simple treasures from our journey thus far.  We live in a rental house, and even though I've painted the walls, it still is...well, a rental.  There is no marble shower or wine cellar.   And as far as I can tell, there is no grand trip to Europe planned anytime soon.  

AND THAT'S OKAY.


I may not have a lot of money, and I may never have any of these beautiful things, but that's okay. 


A few months back, there was a wonderful guest pastor at our church who reminded us of the ugly seed that coveting plants in our hearts.  It may start out innocent enough (Oh, I love their new car!) and before we're even aware of the seed we have planted, it has festered into resentment for what we haven't been given.  We end up resenting our spouse, our job, our current situation.

This pastor reminded us to look upwards to Christ, not sideways towards others.  I can't even tell you the amount of time I've spent muttering these words to myself.  


But she has the new iPhone!
Upwards, not sideways.


But they are going to buy a house!
Upwards, not sideways.


She gets to stay home with her kids every day!
Upwards, not sideways.


They know where they're going to be living in a year!
Upwards, not sideways.


Their kids are so well behaved!
Upwards, not sideways.


Look at all that counter space in their kitchen!
Upwards, not sideways.


God has filled our cup so full of blessings, they are spilling over.  And who am I to whine "But it's not enough Lord...I need these things..."  When we look to Christ for the gift of grace we have been given in His perfect life, the perishable 'things' of this world are put into their place - enjoyable, but far from necessary.


While I enjoy the fun of getting to explore and be inspired through 'pinning' (and I'm sure that there are others stronger than I who can handle it just fine!), I've found it best at times to remove myself from the temptation it brings to secretly covet what others have.


Cause honestly, who doesn't want a marble shower with eleven squirty shower-heads?