Trimming the Fat

If you think this post is about weight loss, you don’t know me! I am a food lover, and although I try to eat healthy and stay active, I am so not about having a bikini body. As I approach the big 5 0, I have much bigger fish to fry. (MMM, that actually just made me hungry!)

No, the fat I am thinking about today is all of the excess and waste in my household. As I have posted before, my husband is locked out of his job of 29 years. Big changes going on here. We’ve been together for over 10 of those years, and have grown accustomed to some luxuries along the way. K cups, take-out, brand names, camping trips…the list goes on. However, we are learning valuable and teachable life lessons as a family. As we approach each day, we are more and more aware of the things we can live without. I’ve decided to journal our transformation. I am compiling two lists. One for the things we miss doing/buying and the other for the things we are learning. When I choose to look at these things together, it’s really enlightening and turns worry into gratitude.

I am absolutely thankful for the ability to be a stay at home mom. His job has allowed that. I would be lying if I said I am not praying that this can still be a reality for our family. I love being here to put my kids on the bus and have a snack and dinner ready when they get home. I love that I can have dinner on the table for my husband after a day’s work. But the long and the short of it is, we just don’t know what the future holds. I do know, however, who holds our future. God is allowing this. He is ordaining our situation for our good and His glory.

I am honestly amazed at the things surrounding me every day that I take for granted. The sheer amount of office supplies in my drawers, toiletries in my cupboards and toys that I daily trip over are all proof that we are rich by the world’s standards. So I will not be complaining. I am trying to enjoy the ride. I am encouraging my kids to look at this as an adventure. I refuse to let them be worried about our future here. Our eternal future is all that really matters, and that is secure in Jesus Christ.

In the meantime, I am thankful for Aldi, thrift stores and visiting family members at mealtime! Ha ha. Oh, and the fact that many items on the "honey do" list are getting accomplished!

Thank You, God for your provision which is way more than I deserve, and way more than we need. May we never forget to be grateful for your loving care, for all good things come from you. AMEN