The Problem with Pinterest

{an archive from 2012} I’m about to do something very stupid. (Unfortunately for me, it’s not a first). I’m going to take on a new American Icon. I’m going to mess with something that has quickly become as sacred as Mom’s apple pie. I’m going to take a swipe at Pinterest!! Now don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled that so many women are finding hours and hours of enjoyment at the click of a mouse. I’m also thankful for the world of ideas at our fingertips. But I’m beginning to wonder if Pinterest is making us into domestic perfectionists and hospitality hermits. Have we become venerate voyeurs who get our kicks from other’s accomplishments rather than making our own talents available to God? I’m wondering if we’ve created such a high ideal for our homes, by being able to pin the absolute, collective, best ideas, that we don’t want to open our “in progress” homes up for entertaining? Rather than venture a BBQ or dinner party with friends, are we all sitting in our own “less than impressive” homes, by ourselves, in front of a computer screen, with the delusion that others’ homes are so much cooler than ours. Living where we do and because of what we do,Tim and I have been in some spectacular homes and had some incredible meals there. So believe me, when it comes to inviting friends over to our “humble” house for a meal, I’ve had the same feelings of inferiority. It’s funny how you don’t really notice the peeling paint on the patio or the dingy beige carpet on the stairs until you have friends arriving in 15 minutes. That’s when I remind myself that this isn’t about me. Go ahead. Dim the lights! Light the candles! Wipe the water stains off the goblets. And smile. Isn’t it just like the enemy to pervert the desire for a beautiful home to be about perfection and comparison rather than about relationships? I mean when we forfeit friends for flawlessness, we miss the whole point of making our homes a beautiful, welcoming place. Unless we want to create a museum, we need to forget about having an “idyllic” home and use our homes for something better – building relationships, encouraging others, and sharing Christ’s love with those who need a tender touch. My friend JoAnne Thompson in her wonderful book, Table Life, puts our reluctance and idealism in perspective when she says this: We hold on to our homes like owners instead of stewards. So my sweet, creative, talented friends, pin away! But let’s not forget that in the process, we are to use our homes to bring glory to God and joy to others. And no one has to know that the new area rug in the family room is covering up a huge stain of grape soda! Here’s to shooting for perfection and settling for progression, Love, Darcy