Musings on the Month of Austerity

 Do you have any idea how often we buy stuff???? Looking back on our second-annual month of austerity, I am shocked and dismayed at how many times Sam and I sighed and asked each other if the month was over yet.  In reality, we weren't very strict with ourselves this year. During a couple of road trips, we bought energy drinks and I even ordered some sale items on drugstore.com that we didn't really need need, if you know what
I mean :) Plus, since spending time and energy making friends is one of our priorities right now, we even spent money going out when other people invited us to hang out with them.

I think this year I learned how much time and energy we spend maintaining our "stuff" AND how I really take for granted that we are in a position to go out to eat and to the movies with friends. Sometimes I find myself getting envious of other people's fabulous vacations and beautiful homes, and it just shows how easily the human spirit becomes unsatisfied. Lord, grant me the ability to be grateful and satisfied in whatever situation I am in!

One fun blessing God gave us was the ability to spend some of the money we saved on an extra gift to Haiti this month! We wish we could jump on a plane to help or adopt an orphaned child, but God is sweet in letting us be used in just a very small way.

Sam and I enjoyed some "free fun" today frolicking about in the 13-inches of snow with our pup!