When Less Is More
Theme of the Week: Downsizing with Class
Grant McDowell
Wednesday, December 7, 2005
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and wine (Psalm 4:7). Bonus Reading: Job 31:24-25
Because we've lived on a modest income through most of our marriage, my wife wondered out loud one day if she should get a job to ease financial pressures. Yet if she worked even part-time, we realized, we'd pay more income tax and the net financial benefit would be minimal.
We reviewed the benefits of Donna remaining a stay-at-home parent. We eat nutritious meals because she invests time in planning and preparing meals. At the same time we save money because she makes time to be an excellent purchaser, not relying on packaged meals or fast food. Her creative gifts are obvious through how she cares for and decorates our home. The greatest advantage has been her availability to our children. She involved them in projects for both work and play when they were younger so that creativity, instead of television, nurtured their development. Though we're closing in on the empty nest, the kids thrive on knowing that she's available when one of them needs reassurance, help, or advice. We're able to plan our schedules without considering another job commitment. And her involvement in teaching small group Bible studies has changed other women's lives.
—Grant McDowell in Alberta
My Response: Is a second family income required for subsistence or elected to support lifestyle choices?
Thought to Apply: One half of knowing what you want is knowing what you must give up before you get it.—SIDNEY COE HOWARD (playwright)
Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
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Lord, help me to hold my belongings loosely so that I'm not diverted from Your Kingdom priorities.
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