I really enjoy eating brown sugar cinnamon Pop-tarts, yummmm. Anytime of day, I can't think of a more delicious snack to have. They are perfect at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even as a bedtime snack!!! OK, so you get my obsession, I NEED a Pop-tart!!
Oh, how far from the truth that is. In America, most of us have no idea what a need is. Have most of us ever gone to bed hungry because there was absolutely nothing to eat and no money to buy something? Have we been so long out of work that we depended on housing from a shelter or food from the food bank? Have we lived in a hut and slept on the dirt or mud depending on the season? Have we been afraid that our children might not live to be two years old because of a deadly disease that here in America there is a simple vaccine for?
Many see a need as a designer purse, name brand clothes, or the latest and greatest electronic gizmo. Some people believe that having a bedroom for each child, having a cell phone, or even having two cars is a need. When we were first married, we believed many of these things. We had no thought of the future and no focus on what being a good steward meant. We've look back on many purchases we have made in the past and see the total waste of money.
We made many mistakes but graciously the Lord has extended His mercy and continued to bless our family.
A need is a necessity. To our family the only things that are a necessity are nourishment, clothing, shelter, and the Lord. These items don't have to be the best of the best, top of the line, and depending on your place in life, might go against the norm. When we were still in college and still newly weds, I was an Resident Assistant on my floor. This gave me a huge meal plan and free room and board. Many thought we were crazy to continue to live in the dorms, but this saved us a fortune. Many thought we were crazy for managing apartments for family and living there free for two years, but again, it was such a blessing.
We only have one car, yes, Tom has a scooter that he rides to work and again, many people think we are crazy. But in the process I have been blessed with the ability to just enjoy being home. There are many times things have had to be passed up or planned out, but in being intentional about our trips out, we spend less and save more. We save more of ourselves for our family. We save time by getting things all at once. We save money and in such have enjoyed being able to give to others more due to all the money we have saved in gas, insurance, and the money one spends on running around town.
We are content with this life that God has given us.
We really feel that life is simple, easy, and enjoyable just the way it is. Yes, there are hard times, but we have every NEED met and also have so much more. We are blessed to live in America, have a fabulous family, have a job, and have a home, food, and clothes. We are also blessed to have been chosen to be a child of the King, which when it boils down to it, is really the only TRUE need in life!
But my God shall supply ALL your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
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