When we looked at the house that we eventually bought, the owner had a stainless steel refrigerator in the kitchen. It looked great with the stainless oven and microwave and dishwasher. We had our realtor ask if she was willing to leave it. The answer was no. Now, we had a perfectly good side-by-side refrigerator that is not even all that old...less than 5 years. But it is white, and definitely clashes with the other stainless appliances.
We are forever trying to impress on the kids the difference between "wants" and "needs". And no, they don't NEED a new Playstation 3, or another pair of tennis shoes, or an iPhone 17. And we didn't NEED a new refrigerator...but it sure would be nice...
When we moved in I told Mark, let's keep our eyes open for a sale, some good deal, maybe a close-out floor model. It could be a year or two, but let's just look.
A couple nights ago Mark went to Home Depot for a new grill brush for his new grill...we had left the old one behind in Texas, deeming it not worth the move due to its age and condition (funny, a doctor once told Mark he should get a flu shot, saying, "well, at your age and condition...) Anyhow, he walked in the door, and what did he see but a close-out, french door, stainless steal refrigerator, formerly the floor model, at a discounted price. He came home and told me about it, and the next day we went to take a look. Yup, just what I had been looking for. At a deeply discounted price. With an extra $200 off in a "buy more/get more" sale. Too good of an offer to pass up, at nearly 30% off. So we are now the proud new owners of a bouncing baby refrigerator.
I look at it and I know that this will not bring lasting happiness. Things of this earth rarely do. The only thing I like as much now as I did when I got it is my husband (despite the fact that he bought me something with an electric cord for my birthday :) ). (Just kidding...he bought it two days after my birthday). And my kids (some days). And a few friends :) (you decide if you're one of them...j/k)
Clothes shrink or fade in the wash. Gadgets get out-dated or wear out. Appliances break down. I find out that my bar height kitchen table is not comfortable to sit at for extended periods of time. The stuff of this world is only stuff, and does not last forever, or bring lasting joy. "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:7) Only what is from God lasts forever or brings lasting joy.
But for now, I'll look at my stainless steel french door refrigerator and smile.
In other news...the bifold door on the pantry is broken, today my toilet wouldn't flush, and we still need to get our roof repaired. Oh, the joys of home ownership. maybe next time we'll buy new construction :) (or course, that's a week or two away :) )
