February 17th 2016
I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on mankind: God gives some people wealth, possessions and honor, so that they lack nothing their hearts desire, but God does not grant them the ability to enjoy them, and strangers enjoy them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil. – Ecclesiastes 6 (NIV)
I lived in a $700K house for one year. The company I worked for “sold” the concept of this house, and this job to me as a life of luxury. All I had to do was care for five teenage soccer players, plus my own three. That’s it! Well, that was cake… or so I thought. I mean, I’ve been a mom for 16 years, raised three great kids of my own… how hard could it be?
When I spoke with the parents of the other boys, of course they painted beautiful pictures of their marvelous boys. I dove in, full-throttle. I gave it/them my all. I cooked meals for kings! I cleaned the beautiful house. I offered advice, support, communicated with their parents. I shared my life with them.
It wasn’t long into it that I realized nothing was as it seemed.
No time off. No rest.
No appreciation.
No communication.
No love.
No support.
I felt like Cinderella in my beautiful castle.
I used to stare out the window, sobbing, missing my small old house in our small old town. I longed for home. I longed for my friends.
I had always dreamed of being something/someone. This opportunity was supposed to be it! The Money, a huge house, and a prestigious job.
The grass was not greener.
– Colleen Temple
