From Eating Out to Eating In

We went out to eat last weekend.  I splurged, knowing that our going out to eat days are drawing to a close.  You see, financially, it just doesn't make sense.  We were about an hour from home shopping for groceries.  We were all hungry, and I decided to treat my husband to his favorite restaurant.  It is rare that he gets to go out to eat in the first place with his schedule.

When I got the bill I realized that what we spent on one meal could have paid for several days worth of meals.  I had been disappointed in how the restaurant had cut the portion sizes so drastically anyway.  But somehow I realized that I had just been a horrible steward of God's money.

I'm not saying that going out to eat is a bad thing.  I just see that it should be saved for special occasions... not grocery shopping day.  When I was a child, going out to eat was a treat.  That included McDonalds or Burger King!  While we don't go out often, we do go out more than we should.  I enjoy it every time, but my kids had attitudes that I didn't appreciate.  One didn't eat her food.  The other complained because I wanted her to eat off the kid's menu (which is for her age), instead of eating an expensive adult meal.  To me, this doesn't sound like the children are appreciating going out to eat and the cost.

So, I have made the decision that we will not go out to eat for awhile.  The price of feeding a larger family even at a fast food joint is too much.  Plus, I think there are some attitudes in my children that need to be repaired.  If I am going to go out to eat, I will save it for special occasions or the occasional date night with the husband... and then only if it is something that is something that we can do financially without putting us into a bind.

I have taken to planning my meals better at home to do my best to give my family healthy, wonderful meals.  I  have also decided that eating at the table and having certain meal times is important, whether dad is home or working.  So many people eat out all the time.  It is expensive and unhealthy.  My two oldest daughters went a couple years ago out of state.  They were traveling and ate out a lot.  It literally made them feel sick.  I am happy with home-made meals enjoyed in my home with my family.