I have been doing some thinking about the differences between being in my 20's and now shifting into my 30's, I thought I would jot down some ideas I have. This may morph into my manifesto for the coming decade.
One area that I have often given much thought to, not just recently, but throughout my life, is finances.
I have a diverse background relating to money.
Growing up, we were poor. Like, can't-afford-to-buy-groceries kind of poor. I have distinct memories of not having anything left to eat in the house, and suddenly (and amazingly) there was a knock at the door. When we went to answer, no one was there, but some bags of groceries had been left for us. Such experiences taught me a lot about God's faithfulness and provision.
I started working full-time when I was 15-years-old. I started off as a waitress. When I was 18, I was given the opportunity to work and study Dental Nursing. It was during that time I discovered branded goods and a love of shopping. I thought nothing of spending $200 plus on the teeniest bikini that just so happened to be a particular brand. Those were the golden days of my excessive living and I honestly did enjoy it.
And then... I went to Bible School... I was back on the poverty line, usually only eating once or twice a day to save money. After a year, I moved to Singapore and joined YWAM.
All that is to say, I have experienced both ends of the spectrum. I was never fabulously wealthy, but I had more than enough to be able to buy whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted it. And I have experienced lack even down to the necessities of life.
So now, where am I? We are very, very far from wealthy. We have just enough to live on with occasionally a little spare to save. And I am happy for now.
But my thoughts have recently been, not so much about how much money we have, but about my mindset towards money.
I have come to define money as a tool. It's a great tool to have. I would love to have more of it.
I think when money becomes a vehicle by which I can indulge on myself, when it is all about me, then something has gone wrong. Self indulgence is not my life goal.
