I (too often) can feel like we don’t have enough money. We have debt and as anyone who has debt knows, it is almost impossible to dig out from under it. It feels like all of the extra money goes to pay down the debt and the next thing I know, something happens and the cards are all filled up again. It is frustrating and stressful and at times I allow it to get the best of me.
But the truth is, I am mightily blessed. I have said this before but it bears saying again. There are so many that would look at me and think that I am wealthy — even as a military family, even with my medical expenses, even with my debt. They would look at my pantry, my closets, and my life and say that I have more than I should ever need. And they would be right. My son showed me that so clearly the other night.
In another ridiculous moment in parenting, my son threw an enormous fit about what I made for dinner. A huge, loud, kicking & screaming fit. And in a completely pitiful move (based on the fact that my husband was about to leave me for the evening and I chose wimp option #1), I actually made another dinner plus there were several leftover back-ups. Yet my son screamed, “there is no food in this house! We have nothing!”
And in that moment, ironically enough, I realized just how much we had. There are very hungry children in this world, children who go to bed hungry. If my child was going to be hungry that night, it was because he chose that.
After a long time-out and a (really) long talk, he returned to the table and ate. He ate well. He did not go to bed hungry. And I learned I had enough. More so, I had plenty. And that night I said an extra prayer of two words… “thank you”.
A great message, Traci – and one I have to remind myself to remember sometimes, too. It’s so easy to focus on the have-nots instead of the blessings.
xo
Thanks, Kristin. I questioned writing about it but I decided that I needed to tell this story.
Traci
This is a good (and well-timed) reminder. My family is blessed with so many things. We need to make a point to remember that and be thankful.
Thanks, Tracie. I appreciate that very much. I know that you understand and it helps to know I am not alone.
XOXO
Traci
Yes. Every time I feel like we’re so “unfortunate” and then get up and make myself a sandwich, I wanna kick myself. We have a roof and electricity and food and diapers and shit, high speed internet and 400 channels on TV! We have MORE than enough.
It’s perspective, isn’t it? I’m not always good at it and I’m hoping that the lesson I learned will pass to him.
Yanno, sometimes we ALL forget just how lucky and blessed we really are. What a great reminder.
Thanks. Sometimes I get lost in my world and forget that there are so many around me with so much less.
sometimes we need a reminder to keep us grounded. thank you. and i certainly know you feel when it comes to people on the outside looking in “judging” our situation based on outward appearances.
Thanks! Grounding is something that I am working at this year and this was a great if somewhat difficult reminder.
I can totally relate – and so true! Thanks for the very important reminder
Thanks, Cody. It helps so much to know I am not alone!
Such a great post! And a wonderful reminder…
Thanks! I need to be reminded it seems, as do my kiddos.
Traci
Wow! What a powerful revelation.
It’s amazing how my children continue to teach me!
Traci
What a wonderful post. Thank you so much for sharing this story. I often find myself feeling frustrated and angered by my debt, but I fail to remember how much I have. Thanks for the reminder.
Thank you! It is easy to get caught up in the cycle of bills and living check to check and not see what I have. It helps to know that others are dealing with the same struggles. Maybe we can help each other see it from a different perspective!
Traci