Why wait?

We had an appointment with our financial adviser, Michael Burton, the other day. He works for MMA and is free... but also a dear friend of ours.

I remember the first time I walked into his office. It was Jeremy's idea and I was mortified. I felt like I was walking in totally nude as we laid bare our finances before his scrutiny :) It ends up that God has called him to his role in finances and he has not been our judge or enemy. But Im sure you know the feeling. I know you feel the heat rise and the heart rate increase when you think of someone looking at EVERY penny you spend wondering at all the things you might suggest cutting out. Well, thats not what he does. He has helped us get rid of all of our debt (except our mortgage, of course). And continue to live debt free... with good sound advice on purchases (when we seek his council, which we do often) and life insurance policies, living trusts, etc. AND, MMA is a faith-based organization so its all with Godly stewardship in mind. We still get to eat out, buy things, take trips, watch movies... etc. :)

Anyway, we had a meeting with him and shared our resolution for the year, which, funny enough, didn't save us any money this month. We still ran out. Of course... I did go to New York. ANYWAY (focus, Marcy)... I would like braces. We would like a repaired fence. I "need" a sewing machine... so many "things." We happen to have a source of set-aside money that we can pull from and periodically we ask for it...

During this visit, Michael kept asking... "Is that something you can save up for?" SILENCE. "Well, yeah, I guess we could!" Save up for things? Who does that anymore? (I know Allison, you guys are GREAT at it!).

We live in such a culture of immediate gratification. If I want something, I go buy it. And then I buy something extra just because I can. There's no waiting. No delay. Our national mentality (even in goverment) seems to be "Why save for what you can buy with credit today?" I hadn't even considered that as being part of my FAMILY culture. We don't have debt. We don't charge things. We don't finance things (except our house). But we do happen to dip into savings quite a bit... Jeremy's Masters program, my continued education classes, small road trips...

This has really got me thinking. The best things in life are the things you have to wait for: a spouse, children, a much needed vacation, fruits fresh off the tree in their seasons... some things can't be rushed.

My last blog was on the blessing we might lose when we meet our own needs. This one is on the blessings we lose when we wont wait for them from God's hand. Really, I've lived 29 years with these teeth. Whats another year of saving up for braces? Had I rushed out and bought a new sewing machine... I wouldn't have the blessing of the one loaned to me (that I get to give some life to for its owner :) And can I TRULY appreciate something if it took little or no effort to get it? I don't think so. I have a new appreciation for paper (read the last blog). I have a new appreciation for fireplace keys, sewing machines, dressers, my community.

Proverbs 8:34
Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.
Isaiah 30:18
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
Isaiah 64:4
Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.

We will begin saving for the things (even used ones) that we want/need. Greater, we will be waiting on the Lord to meet those needs and desires as He pleases! May we all learn the patience that leads to His blessing :)