I
have always been a saver. Which means, I have always found ways to make money
and keep money. It’s not so much that I feel an overwhelming need to have
money. It is more so that I have a hard time spending money on little things, when
I know down the road I’ll have bigger things to spend money on. It really isn’t
a security blanket I’ve built for myself, it’s planning ahead; not a lack of
trusting God, but being responsible with what he’s given me.
That
is, until recently. Over the last few months I have made some large purchases,
all of which I’ve been saving for; I bought a car, replaced my dying laptop and
put money towards my education. However now that all has been said and done, my
bank account is looking a little slim. Some other unexpected expenses have come
my way and for the first time in over 4 years, I have less than 1,000 dollars
in my bank account. And it is a crippling feeling. The saver in me has gone
into lockdown mode. I have cut out unnecessary expenses, eating as cheap and as
little as possible, and considered several avenues to make a little extra money
on the side. Dave Ramsey has taught me well.
Somewhere
along the line, I’ve forgotten that there was a time when I lived on the other
side of the world and even though I didn’t have a penny to my name, I never
went hungry. God provides. And over the last few months I have become stingy
and self-consumed.
I have watched my neighbors of the
last few months, the ones who live behind my house. The guy who lives there I
used to see at Great Harvest on a regular basis, collecting any leftover
goodies to take under the bridge and hand out to the homeless. From the short
interactions I have with him, I can tell he is a pretty generous man. However,
after learning that he was my neighbor now, I’ve noticed how little he lives
with and yet volunteers in a place where he gives so much. I have decided to
give to him and his family.
I have gone to the grocery store and
bought some food items that I know won’t perish quickly, but can be a good back
up for him and his family when things get tight. I bought some specialty foods
and even some Lindt chocolate too, just to make it feel like even more of a
treat and not just a food box from the food share. My hope is that as he wakes
up tomorrow morning, he and his wife see the box and feel a huge sense of
relief, that they don’t have to worry about where their food comes from for a
while.
Wow Brandon! Having been a recipient of such a kind act, I believe you will impact this man and family for quite some time. There is no way you could do something like this without feeling pure joy. Thanks for a great encouraging story.
ReplyDeleteNice! I too have experienced some 'emptying' of self in my neighborhood, tho I think my own backyard is often one of the most difficult places to incarnate Christ. Thanks for you post and your heart!
ReplyDeleteEven though you feel that you have so little financially, God has so much in store for you. His plan and will for your life is perfect. Refreshing. I am inspired that In a time when it would have been "smarter" to save that money you spent, you spent it anyway. Wow! Good stuff
ReplyDeleteMoney is such a hard thing sometimes. I admire your heart to seek Christ in the matter. I have memories of people blessing my family when I was younger with food, or different needs we had. I can only imagine the relief, and the peace your neighbors felt when opening the door to the blessing you left.
ReplyDeleteBrandon, thanks for the reminder about the power of generosity. I think this is an under-utilized value in my life - one that brings spiritual and emotional freedom. It's like a hammer that breaks fear and self-dependence. Thanks for using it!
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