Have you ever been given a glimpse into someone else’s life and felt a tug of awe or wonder? I think about some who write and preach with seemingly endless energy, and I just shake my head. How is it possible that one person can do so much? Billy Graham. Oswald Chambers. Steven Furtick. Need I say more?
Yet as much as I respect and admire those who are hyper-productive, have boundless energy and are ministry-minded, there haven’t been any that I envied. No life that tugs me to imagine if only…
Until now.
I recently finished reading The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines (with Mark Dagostino). For those of you Fixer Upper fans, you know this book has been out since 2016. However, cheapskate that I am, I didn’t “splurge” on purchasing it until it I found it marked down at Hobby Lobby a couple months ago. However, I started watching Fixer Upper years ago on quiet Sunday afternoons while I caught up on the ironing. After seeing the first episode, I set it to record on my DVR. I’m not a fan of reality shows. For the most part, I don’t get the appeal. I mean really? They should be called un-reality shows. But the moment I started watching Chip and Joanna Gaines work their magic on houses, I was hooked. And then I got my husband hooked. We started picturing shiplap all over the walls of our little log cabin.
The show fed my imagination and inspired my love of decorating. As my sisters can attest, I don’t do white well, and my poor husband has been a victim of my need to color my own little piece of the world. I found myself envying Joanna Gaines’ giftedness, and yet Chris and I would wonder how in the world they did what they did with four (now five) little ones to raise. Was their home life really as together as it appeared?
It wasn’t until I read The Magnolia Story that I realized how much of their lives were a testament to their faith in God. Chip, who comes off as a big goof, has a heart as big as the state in which they reside. He lives out his faith every day in the way he loves on other people, especially those in need. Joanna has an amazing gift with design and decor, but nothing inspires her more than her children. What appeared to be a crazy-busy life in the show (which no longer airs original episodes) is only a glimpse of the life they lead—a life to which they give God all glory and honor.
Am I envious now? You betcha. Do I wish I was living their life? Absolutely not!
I am not Joanna Gaines, and (thank God) my husband is not Chip, although his heart is just as big. I live a small, quiet life writing my little books, excited to see how God’s working in the mundane. I don’t do chaos and disorder, which is what Joanna Gaines fights every day of her life. She loves it (mostly) but she was made for it. I am not. We can admire the lives of others, get caught up in the flamboyance and excitement and see the appeal. But if we live intimately with the One who created us, be sensitive to His direction and use the gifts He’s given us, we will lead the life we’re meant to live.
That doesn’t mean that I don’t still want to be inspired by those who live life big. There is something to be said for getting out of my comfort zone—faith over fear. And I’m never going to quit painting and re-decorating (much to my husband’s chagrin). But I am better able to do what God calls me to when I’m content with where He’s put me.
What about you? If there is discontent in your heart, then maybe you’re not living the life God intends. Open your heart and mind to His direction and then follow where He leads. It may not be a glamorous life, but I assure you, it’ll be blessed.
Comments 5
I loved this blog. Open. Honest. Encouraging. It inspires the reader to find themselves and step out in faith no matter how big or small the world may perceive the stepping out.
To live authentically true to oneself and to God’s calling is life. But to compare ourselves to others is death.
Thanks Jennifer for reminding us that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator and that is enough.
I love Fixer Upper and the book they came out with! The fact that they are also a faith-filled family, just added to my admiration of them. Chip’s a card, isn’t he??
If you’re looking for another great reality show like Fixer Upper, I recommend Home Town. They are a husband/wife “fixer up” duo, take place in Laurel Mississippi. Chip and Joanna actually “tutored” them some. Ben (the husband), used to be a youth Minister and Erin is an artist. It’s a wonderful show to watch. All reruns right now, though.
Author
Thanks for the recommendation. We will give them a try!
I also love to watch Fixer Upper and I wonder how they get it all done. But I also wonder how you do it all.Whenever I have been in your homes, I am in awe of the decor. I can’t even decide what color I want to paint in my rooms. By the way, you do not write little books. Your writing has a great impact on many people and I am first in line.
Love you bunches.
Author
Thanks, Barbie. You’re so sweet! Love you bunches, too!