Theresa wants to be a Free Runner!
Maybe you’ve never asked yourself why I named my blog Life As I See It. The answers are simple. First of all, it was the first thing that came to mind. Second of all, I never thought anyone else but my friend, Suzi, would read it. Lastly, I like to describe my family’s world. We are often confronted with the fact that we are different from other people, but in a very normal way. It is probably selfish that flatter myself by calling us different, since I doubt that we are that unique. I could go into details, but I’d embarrass my kids and husband! Let me just give you a couple of illustrations:
1. I normally shop at Aldi, the ultra-discount German grocer. I love Aldi and it’s great tasting, affordable food. So I have to rent a cart and pay for cheap bags that don’t even make it to the parking lot? Shopping at Aldi has changed my budget - the savings are tremendous. I have actually tried to spend more than $100 there, but it is difficult. I can fill that grocery cart up so high that I dare not move, yet the bill is rarely over $100. And $100 of groceries at Aldi’s lasts for many, many days. So, why then do I, once in a great while, decide to stop at the elite shopping experience that is Byerly’s? I stopped by tonight, telling myself that I would just buy milk, lettuce and some yogurt. I left with $71.95 worth of groceries. No caviar. No cat litter. Just the basics, including organic apples and bananas and a cute little loaf of wheat bread (supposed to be for appetizers.) It will last us about four days or so. Some nice young boy bagged my groceries and loaded them in my car. I don’t even feel that bad, although I’m counting on the check float until payday (5th). Rob doesn’t endorse this radical departure from our usual thriftiness, but doesn’t complain since I so rarely go to Byerly’s.
2. This past Sunday, on the way to church, my kids were bickering. I actually told them, in frustration, that God would judge us for not being loving to each other. My kids just looked at me with an incredulous look. My son reminded me that wasn’t true and I admitted that I just made that one up in frustration. They did quiet down. What a hypocrite I am! I still can’t believe I said that.
3. I want to be a free runner. I saw the most amazing documentary on television last night (when I was supposed to be sleeping.) I was born to be a free runner! I was a free runner as a kid, but the sport wasn’t officially recognized at that time. Instead, I was labelled hyperactive. I would probably be the first 44 year old, not-in-shape woman to become one. I am already planning my first course. I am, however, considering the implications of shattering a wrist or elbow. Check out the official website here.
So, are we unique? Or are we just hypocritical sinners, like the rest of mankind, trying to live as Christians. What enables us to be a happy, but weird family? The relieving news that we can’t earn our salvation. We can’t possibly be perfect Christian family, no matter how hard we try. Instead, most days we are able to love each other and treat each other pretty well, out of sheer thankfulness for our gift of grace. It also helps to confess our sins to each other and to God, at our home and in corporate worship, strengthen each other with God’s Word and partake of the forgiveness and strengthening that comes with Holy Communion. We are definitely happy to live in Kiihnworld!
I love your family and we haven’t even met, Theresa! I shop at Aldi’s too. Have you ever been to a Trader Joes? They are owned by the same German family as Aldi’s, but offer cool imported foods for CHEAP!
Happy New Year!
Mary Brazier
I like the part where you tell your kids you’re going to be judged for not loving each other. It’s good that your son can tell you you’re wrong.
For some reason that really made me smile.
Devona,
Yah, I’m not too bothered by what I said because it just illustrates my condition as a sinner, even on my way to church. =:o Erik is in the middle of confirmation classes and he’s taking things very seriously. I may be a sinner, but I’m smart enough to send my kids to a good confirmation program! That way they can identify that false teaching I might occasionally throw their way! Ha! I’m glad you smiled, because it tells me that you are prepared to be a good parent. You’ve got to laugh at most things to keep your sanity.
Mary,
I’ve never been to Trader Joes. I just checked their website and see that there isn’t one around here. Oh well! Aldi’s is new to our area and is growing rapidly. What a great store. Most people don’t believe me when I tell them the prices. People are still wary of discount foods, I think. Remember the black and white generic labels of the late 70’s. Now that was bad tasting food!
I am just a small fish in the very big pond of Kiihnworld/Be Strong in the Grace readership. But I’m proud to know you and your personally and to have helped in some small way to launch your great endeavor.
Am I a free runner if I manage not to trip over anything during the day? (My shoelaces are always coming untied.) Maybe I’ll just stick to being a “free thinker.” (Don’t even know if I qualify in that area…)
Suzi