One Friday, Pete and I had a conversation with Pastor Gerrod about finances and the economic difficulties we were experiencing. He remarked how we are one of millions, and we aren’t doing as bad as many others are. There are many Americans that have been laid off (millions!) plus many others that are struggling financially. Utah alone has one foreclosure for every 34 home-owners. (“Utah fifth in nation foreclosures.” KSL.com. 14 jan 2010. KSL News, Web. 18 Feb 2010. <http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=9344422> . )
He proceeded to tell a story of an occurrence that happened in his home.
He, being in charge of the grocery shopping, came home and listened as his wife stated that there was nothing to drink in the house. Gerrod went to the refrigerator and noticed that they had filtered drinking water from the fridge, a bottle of Cranberry juice, and milk. What she meant was that there was no soda. 
Then he looked at the cupboards and saw that they were filled with canned goods, and the freezer full of meat that had been there for months because they had not made it to the menu.
His point was that we, as a nation, are spoiled. We are a nation of consumerism and materialism. We want our toys and our wants and we want it now. We are a society of excess. And he believes that America is being brought to its knees by the lack of what drives us – money.
I WANT!
He is right – I look around my house and see all the *things* I’ve accumulated over the years and remember how many times I wish we had money to buy more!
There have been times when I complain we have no food, then see the canned goods, the packaged beans, the stuff in the freezer and realize we *do* have food!
I want a brand new curriculum for the kids this year. But then realize I can get it cheaper and just as good at a second hand store.
I think I need more lipstick, because the colors I have are *just not right* and I can find a better one. They are quite fine, thank you, and until those are used up, no need to spend money on more.
Shampoos, conditioners, bath salts and bubble baths, lotions, cleaning supplies, toys, puzzles, clothes, shoes, books, CD’s, the list can go on and on. More than sufficient! Maybe a little too much!
I look at the lack of *desired* finances in my home and I am brought to my knees. I am spoiled! I have too much and find myself wanting more!
Revelation
I had been asking God, over the last couple of months, what He was trying to teach us through the lean times that we are experiencing.
God revealed very clearly that we can do much better with what we do have. Our family doesn’t really *need* anything else. We have a roof over our heads; an inexpensive, paid-for, simple car that runs well and that is problem free; closets full of clothing and shoes; canned goods in the cupboard and meat in the freezer; cleaning supplies for both body and home; healthy bodies that are able to wake up in the morning and do the work that God has assigned for us to do; children to teach; people to reach; and the Saving Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are truly blessed!
We have had our needs met. I have yet to open the refrigerator and say with all sincerity, “we have nothing to eat today.” Or my closet, “I have nothing to wear today.” Or when it rains, “I have nothing to sit under to keep from getting wet.”
Jesus can say it so much better than I can! He states in Matthew 6:25, 32-34 (New Century Version):
So I tell you, don’t worry about the food or drink you need to live, or about the clothes you need for your body. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes. Don’t worry and say, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” The people who don’t know God keep trying to get these things, and your Father in heaven knows you need them. Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well.
I am humbled that God reveals His Perspective, His Will to us when we ask Him. And I thank Him for showing me His Way in dealing with money.
Provision
I can’t tell you how many times over the last couple of years I’ve pulled out the last meat out of the freezer and say to God, “Okay, Daddy, here is the last one. But, I know that You will provide, and I thank you for taking such good care of us.”
It never fails, on that same day, either a check will arrive in the mail, or someone will drop off a load of groceries, or I’ll get a call from someone mentioning that they would like to bless us.
He does take care of our needs! And the children have been a witness to this. Their faith in their Father in Heaven that provides for their *needs* is growing with each step taken in this journey!
Stewardship
Therefore, we’ve been conversing with the children about waste, taking care of what we do have, and paying attention to the difference between wants and needs.
I like how God just brings these points home by adding more to my learning process. Just the other day I read John 6 with fresh eyes and realized that Jesus did not want what He provided to be wasted.
He was in the process of feeding five thousand men (women and children were extra) and all He had were five barley loaves and two small fish. After giving thanks for the food, distributing it and seeing that they were filled, He said in John 6:12:
… “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” (NKJV)
The New International Version uses the word “wasted”.
It will be a growing process for all of us as a family as we will have to rethink the way we do things and our perspective on what is really important in life.
The Future
I believe our nation’s economics will only worsen over the next few years. As Pastor Gerrod said, many people are growing their own food now. It’s going to have to be a new way of living our lives in order to maximize the income that we do receive.
I think back on how my Grandma lived through the depression. One story she told me has stuck with me throughout the years. When she cooked vegetables for dinner, she saved the broth that they were cooked in to use as soup for lunch the next day. Maximize. Use every bit. Waste not. Be content with what we do have.
Alas, Babylon
I pray that we, as a nation, will pay attention and turn our hearts, minds and souls to Him Who blesses in abundance and gives true life. A life that is “rich and satisfying.” (John 10:10 New Living Translation)
