My first eye-opener was the world of the upper class that I have not been associated with much (if I were to define there only being lower, middle and upper class). I mean, I did spend some time working at rather nice jewelry store and got to see people who would just come in and spend ten's of thousands of dollars on a ring. But I didn't really know these people except the small interaction when I filled out their paper work, ran their credit card and explained the need for insurance. Then I recently helped throw a shower for a friend. When the hosts were discussing possibly having someone make omelets for this brunch or getting some help doing the dishes - I naturally thought and suggested, oh that's a great idea! I bet my husband could help! I feel kinda foolish now, because I was corrected in that they were speaking of hired help...I've also recently met girls who spending $1000's at Neiman's didn't even cause a blink of an eye. And in times of weakness, I get jealous of their "easy", extravagant lifestyle. I don't think I can even get a full grasp on how someone can even have that much money. But overall, I'm completely content with what I have. I think God has protected me from that desire for more. I'm thankful I don't have that expectation that money is needed for happiness (not that those people I spoke of do). And I'm thankful I don't have that responsibility of all that wealth.
So as this has been on my mind, I randomly picked up the book Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich. It is an incredible book about a writer who goes undercover to see if she can get by on hourly wages that a huge chunk of Americans live on. This is my second complete opposite eye opener and a really good read. Please read it. It will change your perspective. That's my two-sense.
Anyways, on a similar note, Matt and I have adopted the motto in our life that "simpler is better". We like having just what we need and not much more. I make us go through our closets and cabinets and donate whatever we haven't used in awhile. (When I moved so much after college, I trained myself that whatever I couldn't fit into 4 or 5 large tubs I couldn't keep because it was too hard to move and no place to store it. And honestly, I haven't missed anything I got rid of!) I sometimes think that this 3 bedroom house is way too big for our small 2 person family (but I will mention it was perfect when Matt had 2 roommates before we were married). I love my little Corolla that gets incredible gas mileage. I love that this weekend I found a pair of jeans on sale for $19. I love that Matt and I are just as content eating at Chick-fil-a than at an expensive steak place. And that we always split a meal at restaurants - to save money and calories. I don't know if I want our lifestyle to change, even if God chooses to bless us more monetarily. Greed can take over anyone and I truly think that the more you have the more it can creep into your life. So maybe it's selfish, but I'm okay with that. :)
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