This was an interesting week. It was another week I went into thinking I had it under control only to realize there was more to it than meets the eye. For Spending Month, the author chose 7 vendors to spend money with for 30 days. For example, one gas station, one grocery store, online banking for bills, the school system, a travel fund (for speaking engagements), emergency medical, and Target.
Did y’all notice something? No restaurants. For 30 days. I only did this for a week and we went out to eat 4 times. GAWWWL!
Granted, I didn’t choose to go the “only 7 vendors” route, but my goal was to limit spending to only 7 times in 7 days. I almost made it but registration fees for school next year and $2 per child at the roller rink put me over. It’s those last minute things that getcha!
Anyways, there was an unexpected twist to spending week since I’m not a big spender anymore. I know what you’re thinking. “But you ate out 4 times in 7 days… that’s excessive spending.” Sure, but if you only knew what I bought and made my kids share with an ice water, you’d understand. It’s not what it used to be and I thought I was improving.
The problem is that while I’m spending less, my thought process is not one of giving. I’m spending less because we opened a retail store and our funds are limited. I’m spending less because I have less. I’m spending less because there is no other option.
On the money spectrum I’m more toward the hoarding end at this point in my life and that’s not good either. So my big question for the week was, “with so many needs, and such small amounts to give, how do I decide what to support?” My friend Amy and I talked about this in length and what we determined was, that sometimes, all you can give is time.
And please don’t shrug off the importance of time.
Time is hard to find. It’s precious. It’s limited. It’s something that a lot of folks don’t wish to give up, if they have any at all TO give up. So we discussed how we could best use our time and we came up with a plan that’s rather exciting! I’m not going to share any details just yet, but we are praying about moving forward and I’ll spill it all when the time is right.
In the meantime, think about your spending habits. Are they out of control? Do you have the courage to say “NO MORE” and wage a war against constant consumption? Don’t buy it. You don’t need it. You can use the stuff you already have. And if you’re capable of nonconsumption, what will you do with the money you save? Are you bold enough to fight injustice with it? The poor don’t always lack ambition, imagination, or intelligence. Sometimes, they just lack resources. Pray and ask God to give you a heart for a need or a people group. You may be surprised at how fulfilling life can be when you respond to His answer.
