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Topic: Poor (10/25/04)
TITLE: Blessings of the Poor By Doug McHone 10/30/04 |
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I remember the early days when we were struggling to make ends meet more often than not. Tina would look at me with a fearful look in her eyes and ask, "Doug, are we going to make it?" I had no idea if we were or not, but despair wouldn't save the day, so I put on my most authoritative look and assured her that we would be just fine. A few lean weeks and we'd be back on our feet. I'd then change to a smirk and tell her that this would strengthen our young marriage. My reasoning used to be that most marital disputes were about money, so if we have no money we have nothing to argue about, right?
And for seven years, we have never used money as a point of argument when we struggle. When we have it, though, we start to wonder if the other's purchase was really necessary. My theory was proving true, but I don't think it was a lack of money that kept us from fighting. I think it was the fact that we were finding our enjoyment in each other, and a few years later in God, that strengthened our marriage.
Even when we have the money, a trip for three to see a movie with the popcorn, soda and candy is costly. A trip to Chuckie Cheese is astronomical when you consider the game tokens and all that goes with such a trip. My desire to expand my personal "library" is my own vice, and would give Tina reason to wonder why Doug needs yet another book. Another thing I enjoy is the purchase of electronics. There's always a new toy that Ben wants and Tina's shoe collection has become legendary among those who know her. What do these things have in common? They all take money, and are thus only purchased when we have it.
When we are tight on money, though, we spend more time just talking among ourselves. I'll read my Bible even more when I can't buy another great book. Tina wears her shoes more than once (just kidding) and Ben goes back to the toys he got for his last birthday. We enjoy the tangible items more when they aren't steadily coming and we enjoy our time together more when we must give of ourselves to bring joy to each other. When we don't have money, we come together as a family that more-accurately resembles God's will for us.
Therefore, I tell you that this time of financial strain is not something I am lamenting, and I really mean it. God provides all of our needs in His time and it is in this time that we can really appreciate it. We come together even closer, as we work through some lean times and as we work on our marriage and our faith. We make more decisions as a family than as individuals as the finances dwindle and we find ourselves spending what we have on each other, rather than ourselves.
Blessed are the poor in spirit. The poor cannot rely on their checkbook to bail themselves out. The poor cannot stop by the ATM to purchase yet another book. The poor go to the dollar store and the second-hand store to see what deals they can find. The poor must rely on each other with love and on God with absolute trust. The poor see for themselves that God is the greatest provider of things tangible and of things that last for eternity.
I got into a brief QA session once when I said that winning the lottery would be one of the biggest curses one could wish on my family. This is a large reason why I feel that way. I find it odd that others feel poor when they must look to God to supply their needs. Sure, I like to be able to browse the bookstore from time to time, but I feel the most blessed during times when I cannot.