Is What We Have Enough?

It is so easy to trust in ourselves.  We often don't realize we are doing it.  We are accustomed to things being a certain way, and change is never easy.  When things change, we must ask ourselves where our trust lies.  Does it lie in our income?  Our nice home? Our spouse? Our good job?  Our health?

We know those things can disappear quickly.  Without trust in something bigger than ourselves, when one of those things disappears, will we stand?  Or will we collapse?

How many times will we pull ourselves up by the bootstraps before one snaps?

I received news earlier today that was discouraging.  It means our family will once again endure an income reduction.  While my husband's job is unaffected, we have lost a couple income sources that helped us.  So, now we attempt to endure on less.  

I felt that panic flow through me.  Thoughts slammed into my brain like punches. "Our budget is already strained."  "Christmas is coming." "I have medical expenses."  "What about the things we need?"

Then I remembered that God has me in the palm of His hand.  Things happen for His reasons, even when they are hard or unexplainable. He is my provider!  I can turn to Him any time.  He can bless us, sustain us, and hold us up... EVEN WHEN WE DON'T SEE HOW!  He will do those things, because He keeps His Word.

By leading me towards minimalism, He has already decreased the desire in me over the last few months to own more and more.  That doesn't mean I don't need things, or the kids don't need things, but we need less than we think.  

Often, we have leftovers in the fridge.  After Thanksgiving yesterday, I am sure many spent today snacking on turkey sandwiches and reheating stuffing.  But even on a normal week, I have noticed my fridge usually has a container or two of dinner.  It happened so often that I've come to realize that I cook too much.  After cooking for seven, I never adjusted to cooking for less.  Leftovers used to be eaten the next day by my husband, but the new job he started last year has him away from a microwave or refrigerator.  He often just makes a sandwich.  

Reducing the amount I cook will save some money.  Planning my meals helps also.  

There are things we can do to reduce expenses.  It's just easy to depend on that income flow and not the Provider of all our needs.  

There is something peaceful about praying and telling God, "You know our needs.  I'm trusting You."  

My mind can easily race to all the things I think I need.  Purposely setting instead to all He has blessed me with is challenging.  However, one path perpetuates dissatisfaction.  The other path breeds contentment.  One path floods my emotions with anxiety and fear.  The plot her path calms my mind and brings unexplainable peace.  

I must choose... 

Daily.

On purpose.

Setting my mind.