limited finances {week of thanks}
There were days when I freely bought whatever suited my fancy. I was responsible but not concerned. I worked hard and my husband worked hard and our finances were not an issue.
I bought groceries without keeping a running tally in my head. I filled the truck full of fuel whenever I stopped at a gas station. I often picked up little gifts for friends or my nieces and nephews.
But it all changed when my husband and I moved to Haiti. Being self-employed made it possible for us to go but business suffered immensely. And something else suffered– or maybe that is the wrong word.
To put it simply: our view of money changed. Our “American mentality” was forever altered.
My husband was an excellent business man, still is for that matter, but now he approaches business with a different mentality. It is, first and foremost, a means of spreading the love of Christ. The secondary purpose is to provide for our needs. And he works hard to make sure that the secondary purpose never usurps the primary goal.
This is hard on his pride at times. It has also brought a change to our relationship. I can no longer look to my husband to hand me money when I need it. It isn’t his goal or purpose or responsibility.
Like the day he left to collect money from a man who owes us thousands… and ended up counseling and sharing the gospel instead.
It’s poor business. Absolutely. (And at the end of the day I still couldn’t pay the bill I wanted to take care of. )
But today, I’m thankful.
I’m thankful for every time I have to put things back at the grocery store, every time I have to put ten dollars worth of gas in instead of filling the tank, every day that I noticed a cute little gift and am unable to purchase it.
I’m thankful for every single time my husband shares the gospel instead of making money.
Because I know that our limited finances are not because of poor work ethic or irresponsibility but are, instead, proof that we are storing up far greater things.
Don’t get me wrong. I forget. Often.
I can feel grumpy that I have to wait for a payment from an article or for a royalty check from my book to buy the things I need. I can feel frustrated with my husband (you didn’t charge him?!) or even angry at God (can’t you reward us a *little* here on earth?).
But I’m learning.
And this year, at Thanksgiving, when our table is set with pretty platters of food and pleasant joy– when I’m separated from my family because we can’t afford to hire someone to run the farm for the few days that we’d be gone… I will be thankful.
Because this life is just a moment, and Christ, His sacrifice, is worth everything-– even “financial security”.
What a beautiful testimony and reminder of what truly is MORE important. Christ! I just pray that I’m shining Christ’s light as brightly as I can. It’s all about Him. I was just thinking this morning of how greedy we can be and how self-centered we can be; even when serving God. I mean, are we doing all things unto the Lord? Or for recognition and glory and “pats on the back”. It’s humbling to me. I don’t want people to see me but to see Christ, always.
I am thankful for limited finances too. I know it’s not always the case, but being poor helps us trust God more and have more faith, I think. Being totally reliant and dependent on Him is amazing.
My heart is with you here! Oh I know this pain. I am thankful for limited finances too. It has changed people. It has changed me. The way we see “things”. The way we see what really matters. I’ve seen it in so many. I remember not too long ago when business was booming, people were making tons of money and house prices were doubling within a year… people were greedy. People were still looking for more. And many of my friends were adorning their houses with incredible remodels… at an incredible price. Christmas gifts were expected to be off the charts expensive. And we had all lost sight of what matters. I lost sight of what matters. So yes, I too am so thankful for limited finances. Great blog! I am glad I found you. 😉
Very, very well said!
Thanks for stopping by. I look forward to getting to know you. 🙂
It is definitely hard to feel like you just keep giving and get nothing in return. Even the idea of storing up in Heaven, sometimes doesn’t take away the yucky at not being able to do as you please.
But putting Him first, will ALWAYS work for good.
Beautiful testimony! And challenging. Thank you.
Sounds like your heart is in the right place, encouraging post 🙂
Thanks. 🙂
Oh… you speak my language! I love this post and can relate to so much you said… mostly, though, to the feeling grumpy or being angry at God. Thank you for sharing your heart and for taking the time to visit my place this morning! ~Heidi
Thanks for stopping by, Heidi. There have definitely been times of feeling grumpy or angry. So thankful for a God who has patience. 🙂
This is so beautiful – and yes I struggle with it all the time. We spent quite a few years shooting for the big house, the newest cars, everything. Then our hearts started to get really heavy. And of course we knew none of those earthly things mattered…but still…..
Now we have been in a house that’s too small for all of us, beat up cars, and giving up lots and lots of wants – and through this learning to give thanks anyways because really we have all that we need. God always stretches the money to provide where we need it. We are choosing to be thankful for everything this year. Even the things we so badly want changed. Because in the end none of these “things” matter at all. What really matters is that we lived for Christ.
Amen! What really matters is that we live for Christ.
May we all come to truly recognize this truth!