I just returned from a wonderful and relaxing time at the Lake Okanagan Resort in Kelowna. Spent a week with various members of my family including my sisters, nieces & nephew, brother-in-law, and my oldest daughter. I also had the opportunity to visit a few friends from a past that seems like a lifetime ago.
This week was different than most "family vacation" times as we had opportunities to really share from our hearts and truly connect with one another. We learned from each other and I feel like I have a deeper understanding of these that I love.
One very practical outcome of our time together was a realization that life is so much more than material possessions and the false "joy" of spending money. I know this has been an issue in my life for quite awhile so now is the time for change. I have decided to not buy anything between now and September 6th when my sister & I meet for the family reunion. No more shopping for "stuff". There may be the odd exception where relationships and family time trump the "no shopping" rule, but this is a heart, attitude, and habit adjustment that is long overdue.
So far, here are the things I didn't buy:
Sunday (road trip from Kelowna to Calgary)
~ Starbucks: stopped by to pick up my friend and decided NOT to buy my usual Chai Latte
Monday
~ immediately recycled the LL Bean catalogue, the flyers, and the Bed, Bath & Beyond flyer even though it had a 20% off coupon on the back!
~ deleted any emails that were offering a "special deal" without even looking at them
So far, so good!
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3 comments:
Way to go Lisa! I am so excited to be on this journey with you. Last night, Stef and I talked about buying an outside mat for the trailer....a necessity right!?!? Well, today when I was out in the backyard, I noticed the outdoor mat that I bought last year that is tucked away under the deck!!! Sweet...now I have no need to buy something....I love how even in something so trivial, God is providing!
That is an awesome realization. I think we often get caught up in the need for "stuff" considering the society we live in.
Just today I was driving down the road thinking about how much I'd love a new house (much bigger than the usual things we tend to buy), I saw all the For Sale signs out and for some reason it occurred to me that people in Africa or other "third world" countries probably don't put For Sale signs up for their huts. I laughed a little at how that might look and then realized that in that moment God was giving me a brief glimpse into the discontent that we suffer from in North America. It's always bigger and better when really we need to focus on much more important things in this short life we live.
I wish you success in this journey, I'm sure it will be challenge but God will bless you for your faithfulness.
Elise
Thank you for your support, Ladies.
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