Still Worth It

I am not sure where the inspiration is coming from, maybe I am on a roll here as I am slowly getting used to this form of expressing my thoughts and feelings. But I've had this thought on my brain for awhile now, so why not share?

We are a one income family since we made the decision for me to stay home after Ariana was born and raise the kids versus paying out an arm and a leg to have somebody else watch our kids. It was a prayer of mine at the time to be able to make life work on one income so that it could be a reality, which was answered when my husband took a new job at the company he is currently at. Although a blessing, we needed to learn new ways of living (shall we say being frugal.

I am very careful about all purchases I make. We talk about the budget a lot, and there is very little wiggle room. It has not been easy, but I have learned so much! I have learned to live with less and be content with less. I don't buy new except some gifts for others because it is such a waste of money!! I have repaired and renewed things in our home. I even sewed two comforters together in my sons' room to make a "new" warmer one.

I have sewn gloves two, maybe three times, worn the same shoes for years, and bought used clothing for the family. And you know what? I feel good about not needing to "keep up" with the latest fashions; I like simple and comfortable. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to "dress up" and sometimes and I do that, but that's on the cheap too. I don't think this new part of me will ever really change even if our budget does. I like all the money I "save" by being thrifty.

This brings me to the car: The '99 Silver Ford Contour I bought new when Andrew was a baby (a huge mistake made out of desperation for reliable vehicle for work). I have an emotional attachment to that car but it's nothing nice to look at now.
Years ago, I was side swiped by a city truck when we lived in St. Paul. The car was still "new" then so we fixed it up. Also, three years ago, when coming home Paul was rear ended. At this point, the car was deemed "totaled"; not worth putting money into as my husband tells me. The back bumper is a crunched mess, the trunk barely opens, the dash has bubbled up from a bad design, and right now the heat is stuck on low.

And yet the car will be twelve years old in September and has been paid off for eight years. The little vehicle has served us well and continues to do so and we have never had to sink a bunch of money into it except regular maintenance. So I think good old Betsy deserves a little TLC: a new bumper and a heater repair. all this work not in the budget right now but I'm not giving up hope. A few little fixes, some cleaning, and she'll be good as new. I'm not gonna give up on her, I am gonna take care of her like she's cared for us all these years. Yeah my car has a name, she's a she, and I am a little too attached perhaps. Good old Betsy has saved us a hefty car payment for many years and I am grateful.

This is how I think God feels about us, He sees beneath the exterior. Beyond the broken and crushed parts of us, past the defects, well beyond the muck and grime. He sees the core of us, the strength, the perseverance, the shiny parts, and then says: "Yep that's one good investment. She's worth fixing up, a tune up, or even an overhaul and some day she's gonna be NEW. I have a whole new body for that one and I can't wait until I can give it to her".