My husband is starting his own business. It's a business that has its slow time during the winter months. To say there wasn't as much in the budget this Christmas as in previous years would be an understatement. I really love giving gifts and baking and traveling and decorating . . . oh, and eating out. As we worked on the budget, my heart got all twisted and upset and kind of angry at the thought of having to do without.
We worked really hard and stayed mostly within the budget we set. I was creative with gifts and decorations. Grammie gave the kids a little extra so they didn't really notice the pinch. God provided Andrew with a couple unexpected jobs.
We spent some time with some relatives who are wealthy. They can afford to pay someone to clean their house, do their laundry, decorate their Christmas trees, get hair and nails done for every social event. I struggled with the idea of spending time with them. I didn't want my heart to be envious. It turns out we had a wonderful time. Having loads of money doesn't mean your life is perfect.
The pinch also allowed me to have some conversations with the kids about Christmas, and Jesus . . . and what Christmas is really about. We also talked about the relatives and their arcade room, their media room, and the play room . . . and where true happiness comes from. Those things are very, very fun, but they don't satisfy the longing of our hearts.
God has blessed us in unimaginable ways. I am truly thankful for all we have. The above quote is true. Our Christmas was definitely enough, and for that, I am grateful.
xo
amanda
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