We have been in the position where we really needed to intentionally plan when and how our next meal would be funded…and which bills needed to be paid in which priority. We remember looking at a checkbook with an “almost zero balance” and asking, “How WILL we get diapers and formula and survive this week?” And I know that it can be downright frustrating and demoralizing.
We have also been in the position where we needed to consider the blessings God has given us. And we had to think about what priorities we would set for giving, spending, and general living. Of course, not being stifled and frustrated is much better, but it still can be an unsettling decision.
I know I am blessed with a husband who can, and does, handle our finances well. I admit that there are times when he talks about it…and I feel like I am listening to a foreign language. I trust him and I am grateful for his expertise.
Since we’re leading the group, we are participating as well. Part of the requirement is to write down EVERY penny you spend for at least 30 days---and, if possible, for 60 or 90 to get a real picture. So, starting January 1 of this year, we are writing down what we are spending. Everything. To borrow a Simon Cowell phrase, “If I’m being honest…” (and I am)…it has made me hyperaware of each purchase I’ve made. There are some I’ve decided NOT to make because I didn’t want to write it down on the paper. You know…ADMIT it!!
We are living in TOUGH economic times. Almost everyday that I go to work, I hear about another “cut” that is going to be made in our schools. While I am able to say I have a job, there are many who are not so blessed. Jobs are disappearing at an alarming rate. As you may or may not know, my job is being cut…which means I’ll be “back in the classroom” next year. It’s OK. But it’s not what I WANT…and it’s not where I think I’ll be best used for our profession.
And it all revolves around the GREEN stuff.
While I’d like to think I have a healthy perspective on money, there are times it makes me downright GREEN:
Sometimes it’s the green of envy. I see something someone else has and I think, “Gee, I wish I could have that!” It may be something really small like an article of clothing. But it also occasionally represents something large like a different house, a newer car, etc. We live in a society that touts bigger, better, faster, finer, more, more, more! It’s dangerous and it’s unhealthy. Often when I think I have this green “licked”…it creeps back up on me.
Other times it’s the GREEN that just means “sick”. It makes me SICK that we have to worry about it. It makes me SICK that I can’t do MORE to help other people. It makes me SICK when I see it controlling the lives of others. It makes me SICK when it controls ME!
And still other times, it’s the GREEN like the one that deals with our healthy environment. It’s the “green that makes the world go around” in positive motion. When the money monster is in balance, it’s healthy. It can help people and situations in many ways. It is necessary. It is helpful. It is a tool that provides security and freedom to so many. I like that green.
So, I admit it. The green stuff sometimes makes me GREEN…any one of these GREENS at any moment in time.
How about you?
Does the “green stuff” make you GREEN?
6 comments:
Great post! I feel very fortunate ad have to say that my "green" is of the "sick" variety. I often feel bad that I can't/don't give more of my green to others and then it makes me ill to see how irresponsibly the money that I give to the government is spent. I feel sick when I see people lose jobs and really feel ill when I realize it could be my job or my husband's job that goes next. Yuck.
Absolutely...all missions are feeling the pinch and ours hasn't been spared. I know God is sufficient for my needs (He never promised to provide for my wants.) Good post...you made me think. I've missed you.
Yes! I am also blessed with a husband who handles our finances and just gives me the money I need to run the house. I just live within that budget... mostly... if I need more, he is always there and doesn't fuss.... but, I know that we are on a "retirement" budget so try not to go crazy.
We have been in the "want" and "plenty" times too... I much prefer the "plenty". Life is just easier and more enjoyable.
I hate the pressures of not enough green and the guilt and stress of not being able to do what I need or want to do to help others.
You really nailed it. Thanks for the exposure of some GREEN areas in my life!
I love love love the title of this! Our church is doing Bibleconomics. Same type of thing, but much less interesting name! The economy is bad, everyone is struggling in 1 way or another.
I can be green sometimes, no doubt. But I certainly praise God for all I do have! Amen!
Considering our green is extremely limited....lol...to put it *nicely*, you'd think I would be able to just *let it go*, by now, right? I'd be free from all materialism, the bondage of consumerism...HA!
While I can let go *mostly*...that draw is still there, always.
Everyone is feeling the pinch. It is interesting to see different reactions to needing to pinch pennies because it means something different for those of different social classes.
I have a post for encouraging generosity in the recession that I am writing and hope to have it ready by Friday.
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