Last night I had a Southern Living Party at my house.
We had fun conversation, yummy food, and great drinks ;)
At the end of the evening, conversation turned to small businesses, and home businesses, and how difficult things have been for everyone with the state of the economy.
Of course I did my fair share of moaning and groaning, and made sure to let everyone know that I spent 6 months worth of work that all went down the tubes last year when none of my house listings sold.
I'll also admit, though, that I seemed to maybe be the only one that doesn't really think the state of things are such a bad thing for the poeple of our country. I am by NO MEANS saying that this economy hasn't had some serious or even devastating consequences for some people, and I don't mean to diminish that.
But in my corner of the world, the main effect I've seen it have on people is just that it's making them watch their spending a little bit more. Maybe things are tighter than they've been in a while. I understand - it's that way for us right now, too.
Even though I'm not thrilled with the fact that there isn't *extra* money to be spent in our family, I just don't think it's a bad thing. Our country's expectation of what normal should be is so far off from what I hear it was just one generation ago. People actually saved money for years to take a vacation. They saved and saved and saved to finally be able to buy that new sofa. New floors or counters or vehicles just weren't a part of normal, everyday life. And I guess recreational shopping wasn't considered the norm, either. (Can you imagine???)
There's part of me that wants this recession to be over - like, right now.
But there's another part of me that hopes it lasts a while. Maybe just long enough for most of America to get used to doing without, and to be ok with it. Can you imagine how it could change the state of people's hearts - to actually be CONTENT with what they have? (And believe me, I'm including myself in this, too.)
I read this little poem somewhere, at some point in time, but don't remember where:
"Use it up,
Wear it out,
Make it last,
Or do without."
Yikes!!! I SO do not live like this. Do you??
But I do wonder what other parts of me would change if I adopted this attitude.
Whew. That's enough thinking for me on a Thursday morning.......
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 416
2 days ago
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5 comments:
Kristin,
I totally agree with you Americans are so in debt and need to be thankful for what they have and careful with their money. I went to start a crown financial class and was amazed by how the christians around us were so in debt. That is wrong. God will provide what we need not want. We ended up not doing the class because how could I learn from these people. Mark and I make it a point not to have debt. It amazed me how people live. I don't even like having a mortgage. I have thought that a recession wouldn't be a bad thing for our country for quite a while. My main concern is for those families who don't have any money coming in. I totally agree with you!
It's funny that you posted this. Dave and I were just talking about "how we used to be." We used to spend money that we didn't have just so that we could satisfy our every whim. We've learned in the past couple of years just how well God will provide if you are good stewards of what he gives you. It's actually less stressful for me not to buy a lot of extra stuff since now I don't have to worry about adding to our debt. I can only buy what I have cash for...and that is a good thing.
Great post! I hate that I had to miss the party. :(
hey Kristin! I couldn't find your email anywhere, but thanks for listening to my songs and I'm so glad you liked them! There are actually more than just those two on there (hiding in the archives) but I can send you some links if you like.
As a girl who loves to shop...whenever for whatever staying on a budget has always been a challenge. However being mindful of our economy and being wise with our families money is more important......easier said then done!
I was thinking about the verse that talks about storing up your treasures in heaven.....it became clear...to me...that even in the unknown I still have a responsibility of helping with eternal treasures.
Great post!
Great post Kristin. We need to be more conscious of what we are spending and get a handle on debt. As a recovering shopper, I know what it can do.
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