A New Outlook

It isn't a secret that our country is in a recession. Businesses are going under, people are losing their homes, jobs and relationships. It is a difficult time for everyone. Some more than others. But I am one who practices seeing the glass half full. I know there is a lot of upheaval in our country I can't control.....but I CAN control my response to what is happening. I can make a concerted effort to find ways to use money more wisely, use energy more conservatively, and find beauty in the world in spite of all the chaos around me.



Recently I attended a luncheon at a local country club. Everyone there was dressed nicely and expensively. My daughter, Ashley came up to me grinning from ear-to-ear and spun around modeling her chic new outfit she had bought for................ $10. Yep. Three pieces of clothing.........name-brand pants, shirt and jacket for $10 she found at Thriftsmart. She is as excited about her bargain find as she would have been if she found it on sale at Macy's. Maybe more so! I told her it was great stewardship of her money. Ashley and Nathan are not poor. They have no debt and manage their money wisely. Shopping at the Thrift Store and on Craig's List and Freecycle has become a challenge for her.............one that saves money and helps others in the process. She is practicing being a good steward of her money and not only is that wise in today's economy...........but it is a Biblical principle. (Proverbs 6:1-5)

I have always felt that being a good steward of our money is very important. I take it seriously, thus, much of my lovely home is furnished and decorated with garage sale and auction finds. Many of our car purchases have been from E-bay. I don't feel the need to live in a mansion or drive the most current model car. If Warren Buffet can still live in the first house he ever bought, I can certainly make do in the modest home I have now.



At the luncheon I learned of at least three new businesses women were doing from their homes. Innovative and exciting businesses that shows me people are being creative about the work they do. They are doing things that are not traditional and aren't reliant on a company's failure or a boss's firing. They are taking things in their own hands and working hard to have positive outlooks in spite of the economy. I think that is commendable and it makes me optimistic that our country may be heading to a healthier outlook on how we view money and how we place priorities. It may make people look at what they have and be thankful rather than being envious of their neighbor who may have more. We may be coming to a time when "Keeping up with the Joneses" is a phrase no longer in our thoughts and indeed........may become very socially undesirable!