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Hello friends, and welcome back to Faith & Soul Care.
If you grew up reading the Little House books or watching the television show like I did, you probably found yourself wishing, at least once or twice, that you could step into that simpler world.
Lately I've been watching the new Netflix adaptation, and it has inspired
me to make a couple of Little House inspired blogs and podcasts – and for this
one - there was one scene that really
stayed with me.
But first - I want to let you know that a new cohort is starting in
my Faith and Soul Care Foundations e-course on Monday, and it is free.
To sign up, simply go to sherryelaine.com and
click on the link that says Free Foundations. There is also a direct link in the
show notes and on the blog if you're reading this there.
If you're struggling with stress, worry, fatigue, disappointment, or
burnout, or if you'd simply like support in reconnecting with God and even with
yourself, this free e-course is for you. We have a new cohort beginning each
Monday throughout the rest of the summer.
Now, back to life coaching Caroline Ingalls as she was portrayed in the new
version of little house on the prairie on Netfix. If you haven’t seen it yet – there are no
real spoilers here - Caroline has a flashback to before she and Charles headed
west. Her sister reminds her that she could have married a wealthy man from
town. Someone who could have offered security, comfort, and an easier life.
Instead, Caroline chose Charles. Caroline replies to her sister, and essentially says that the wealthy man was kind, but dull. She wanted a life filled with purpose and adventure.
I found myself smiling because I understood what she meant.
Who doesn't want a life of purpose? Who doesn't want adventure?
But then another thought crossed my mind:
What if Caroline had given me a call or reached out to me before leaving
for Kansas?
[Reminder - you can always listen to these posts or articles on the Faith and Soul Care with podcast, via the podplayer below or through your preferred podcast listening platform:]
Not because I would have talked her out of marrying Charles, and not because I would have convinced her not to go west…
But because sometimes the questions we ask before making a major life decision
become the foundation for the peace and level of purpose we experience
afterward.
As a Christian counselor and life coach, I don't believe my job is to tell people what decision to make. My job is to help them discover whether they're making a decision that aligns with their deepest values, their calling, and the person God is shaping them to become.
So today, I thought it would be fun - and hopefully helpful - to imagine that
conversation.
"Tell me what adventure means to
you."
So - The first question I think I would have asked Caroline is this:
"When you say you want adventure... what does adventure actually
mean to you?"
Because we all use words like happiness, success, freedom, purpose,
peace, and adventure.
But have we ever stopped long enough to define them? Because those are
general words that refer to general concepts – but each word means something
different to each individual person.
Adventure sounds exciting. But adventure to one person may be taking a
trip to Paris and staying in nice hotels….and to another it may mean hiking and
backpacking in the mountains and sleeping on the ground.
For some people, we say we want adventure – but what we are really saying
is – I don’t want “boring and dull.” But what I do want is….I’m not sure!
On the other hand….
Sometimes uncertainty is exactly where God calls us.
The important thing is knowing which one we're choosing, and why we are
choosing it
"What are you hoping this new
life will give you?"
Another question – that I think I would ask.
Because often we think changing our circumstances will automatically
change US, we think it will change our inner
life.
"If I move...somewhere else"
"If I retire..."
"If I get the new job..."
"If I finally have enough money..."
...then I'll become the person I've always wanted to be.
But places and general circumstances don't create purpose. Purpose comes from how we choose to live wherever we are.
"Whose dream are you
following?"
Another question – and this may be the hardest question.
Sometimes we become so excited about someone else's vision that we never
ask ourselves whether we've truly embraced it as our own.
Charles clearly loved the frontier. He loved freedom.
But did Caroline know what that freedom would cost?
I don't ask that because I think she made the wrong decision. Actually, I admire her courage.
But I do think it's worth asking ourselves:
Have I intentionally chosen this life? Or have I simply drifted into someone else's dream?
Because if we don't own our decisions, we'll eventually become resentful….because…
You Cannot Borrow Someone Else's
Purpose
One thing I've learned over the years is this:
You cannot borrow someone else's purpose.
You have to discover your own, even in marriage, even in parenting, and even in ministry.
God doesn't call us to become supporting characters in someone else's story. I mean - sometimes yes our role is to support another - but that is not the only calling. He has purpose for each of us. He invites us into a shared story where both people are growing into the people He created them to be.
Now overall – I think that the Little House stories are good in that they
do teach something beautiful and true. And that is this:
Joy Isn't Found in Adventure Alone
Joy wasn't found because the family moved west. Joy was found because Caroline learned to treasure ordinary moments along the way through...
The evening meal. A conversation. A beautiful sunrise. A neighbor helping another neighbor. The ordinary moments become extraordinary when we pay attention.
I think that's one of the greatest lessons Little House teaches us. The happiest people are not always the people with the most exciting lives. They're often the people who notice the gifts hidden inside ordinary days.
Scripture reminds us of this in Colossians 3:17:
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name
of the Lord Jesus..."
Notice the word whatever.
There is no such thing as an insignificant day when God is part of it.
Soul Care Practice of the Week
This week, I want you to ask yourself three questions.
Take your journal, or simply spend some quiet time with God.
Ask yourself:
- How do I define a
meaningful life?
- Am I living from my own deeply
held values, or am I chasing someone else's definition of success?
- What ordinary moments has God
already placed in front of me that I've been overlooking?
Then, each evening, write down three ordinary moments from your day that
brought you joy. Simple ones, such as...
A conversation.
Something that made you laugh.
A breeze through the trees, even on a hot day.
A cup of coffee, or an answered prayer.
A verse that spoke to your heart.
Train your soul to notice God's goodness in the little things in everyday life, because true, lasting joy isn't usually hidden in some future plans or goals or in a distant destination.
More often than not...it's waiting quietly in today's ordinary moments.
Until next time, signing off for now,
Sherry Elaine
