This world can make us think that we need more.
We need more money, stuff, fame…it never seems to end, this desire for more. Our entire culture seems to have lost sight of the only More we truly need. More of Jesus.
When our family began to grow and Chris and I became established in a career, abundance happened upon us. Neither of us had grown up in abundance, so it was very surprising. It left us feeling overwhelmed, and confused, at times…and desperately unprepared for dealing with it. The one thing we did do well, was give a lot to others. That’s the part I miss the most. I love to give generously. Chris and I both do. And I know we will again, soon.
The blessing of the Lord came, and we tried our best to navigate the waters. In hindsight, I now know that God was teaching us in all those moments. He allowed us to navigate and struggle, so we could become strong in this area. It’s been so humbling, but more than that, it’s been an honor to learn. Moving from little to abundance to little; and receiving so many life lessons.
Life is a wonderful teacher. Allowing God to lead us through it makes it most profitable.
On this end, as I’ve said before, God has shown me that He hasn’t been punishing us in this season of financial struggle, rather He’s been teaching us. Our industry collapsed, not us. We just experienced it and had to decide to grow or give up. Now we are established in our hearts and minds, and ready to receive abundance again.
Thinking about this season has made me so grateful for “less”.
When things changed, it felt oddly relieving to pull back and learn how to better steward. I’ve realized that our children have learned so much, watching us navigate less, yet finding an attitude of abundance in it. Abundance is a position of the heart, not finances.
Instead of making a strict budget seem like a burden, I have tried to always make it feel like a fun challenge. Now the kids hold the calculator as we shop for groceries, and it’s a fun goal to keep the total under a certain amount. They take it as a personal challenge. We don’t face it from a position of lacking, we face it from a position of joy. We are all excited when we come in under the budgeted amount. It’s actually increasing their confidence and instilling a proper view of finances in them.
Less is truly more, quite often. Using self-control can feel very satisfying.
When times are especially tight, I try to make it a fun challenge to not waste a single leftover. I will try to re-invent a previous meal and make it fun. So much of walking in less, has to do with attitude.
We are walking in less but have far more abundance.
God is here. We love each other. Our lives are full of the goodness of God. We are all constantly learning, growing, and changing. Our lives are so full with less. Less external distraction. Less comparison. Less competition to live like others.
We are who we are. God is Who He says He is.
Today is a great day to evaluate your less. What would you benefit from having less of? What does real abundance look like? Are you living in it?
God, show us all how to walk in true abundance. Lead us into the less that becomes more. Less distraction and more of Your presence. Less of the rat race and more of Your embrace. Less comparison with others and more of knowing Who You say we are. Come Holy Spirit and speak to our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life- whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your Heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” Matthew 6:24-30
365 Days in the Presence 