Awhile back, the Lord began convicting me about how I use the word "Need". Many of us, I believe, use that word interchangeably with "Want". I know that I do.
Before I go any further, let me clarify that I am NOT saying that we can never have anything we want, only our needs. Nor am I suggesting an extreme and obsessive approach to spending (or not spending, in this case). What I am proposing is an adjustment to our thinking which leads to a better stewardship of our resources and a more grateful attitude toward the blessings that surround us.
For example, I have a pair of sneakers/walking shoes that I wear most of the time unless I'm dressing up or wearing boots or sandals. They're my everyday shoes. I have had them for more than a year. Most clothing items I buy I shop resale (I enjoy thrifting and usually find new or almost new stuff for a fraction of the cost) or sometimes I buy clearance, and yes even full-price sometimes, but shoes I always buy new. It's important to me for the arch support and to get a good quality shoe, especially for a shoe I wear most of the time.
Six months ago I started thinking I "need" a new pair of shoes. But that was around the same time that the Lord was teaching me the difference between "need" and "want". This past year was tougher than usual financially and included some unexpected hurdles. So, I put off buying those new shoes. I "want" them but I don't "need" them. There is nothing wrong with my current pair of shoes, no rips, tears, or stains and they are still comfortable. The arch support has lessened but my job does not require long periods of standing so I don't notice it most of the time. I will get new shoes as the budget allows but I'm not in a hurry because of my new perspective.
I've been trying to apply that thinking to all the areas of my life. I "need" to go to the grocery store. Do I really? Unless my cupboards are bare, I don't actually "need" to go grocery shopping. Now, before I lose you this is why I put the disclaimer at the beginning. I am NOT saying you can't go to the store unless there is no food in your house. I go to the store two or three times a week some weeks and sometimes less. But, now when I go grocery shopping or clothing, shoe, or book shopping, I consciously remind myself that I "want" to go to the store. It's about a shift in thinking. That perspective helps me to be more frugal in my purchases. It helps me to remember that maybe, I don't "need" to buy that super cute sweatshirt with the floral pattern that I saw. But- one- is it in the budget? And- two- do I really "need" it? If the answer to both of those questions is no then I don't get it. When it is in the budget and I know I still don't "need" it, then maybe I will pass on it and occasionally I will treat myself. And when I do get that thing, I'm becoming more grateful for it because it's a rare treat rather than just one more thing on my pile of stuff.
Even this is an on-going process of growth. Just like every part of life, one step at a time, one day at a time, we become better stewards of the blessings God has given us. We all falter and fail occasionally. Ask the Lord for help in whatever area He has been gently nudging you to mature in. He is ever so faithful to teach us patiently.
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