Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Soup Cans

I grew up in a poor family and we start our marriage on about $5.00 an hour salary as factory workers. The checks I wrote out back then were for small amounts, $5 or $10. We thought about every dime we spent. But gradually our income increased and we could do a lot of things our parents were never able to do. Our closets got full and we ate good food.

However, recently my husband is unemployed and I'm reading the price tags on the soup cans and everything else. I've always wanted certain foods and labels because all foods are not equal. So I've tried the generic and the sale items. They are just not the same. With food, usually you get what you pay for.

While I still buy food for the taste- I know it's a luxury, I learning that I can do without a lot of other things that I used to buy without thought of the cost. You really can learn to live on less. And usually you spend what you earn.

The Joke's on Me

For the last ten years we’ve lived in an old farmhouse in need of remodeling. Since we had two kids in college we decided to wait. So this is the year we update most of the house. We’ve gutted several rooms and made a master bath with a big shower stall which had to be brought in through the window. I’ve fought the mildew that grew on the old tile and I wanted the shower to be one piece so that I wouldn’t have to worry about grout and mildew. The old shower’s water pressure trickled down and this has nice pressure.

When I cleaned the shower I noticed a knick in the top layer. Not only that but the new fixtures are quickly getting waterspots. To keep the new things clean takes more time now. The old stuff didn’t look much different clean. I’ve decided that new stuff isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and it’s a distraction from what’s important in life.

God must wonder why we spend so much time and money and effort on the things that deteriorate so quickly. I'm wondering myself. These new things could easily distract me for the rest of my life. I don't care to go back to that old way so the scratch on the shower will be a reminder that I'm not made for this world and the temporary things are not worth fusing over.

"So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." Romans 8:12-18 ESV

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Losses

I grieved this week for two sets of parents whose opportunities for grandchildren look slim. One whose daughter may not conceive and another whose daughter may lose her premature baby and her own life as well. The toughest night of my life was seeing my daughter struggle to bring life into the world as her blood pressure soared to stroke level. But the outcome was worth the struggle and more. And the struggle made the blessing of that first grandchild so much more sweet.

So what do you say to these whose losses are so much greater? I think the best response is to cry along with them and keep your mouth shut. And hang in there with them in their grieving. Whatever you say will sound hollow in the light of their loss. There are no words that can make them feel better.

After the silence I can go to the Father and pray that his loving care will make it all right some day.

Wiseguy


This little guy isn't talking much but all the time he's listening and taking in the world around him. On Thanksgiving day I was standing at the kitchen island fixing the corn casserole and I cleared my throat. A second later I heard Elijah clears his. He was sitting on the other side of the island down on the floor where I couldn't see him. So I did it again and he did too. Then his mommy noticed and did the same thing with the same echo. So we made a little game of it. Now we're noticing that he imitates us in many other ways.

Never take for granted that these little ones are watching and learning from how we live. They learn from us way too early and we can't see the behaviors until later on.