With inflation so rampant right now and rumors of wars, I can't help think about the scripture prophesying that in the last days "men's hearts will fail them for fear of those things that are coming..." (Luke 21:26). This morning, I discovered a talk that I think brings hope to our doom and gloom future... not because it changes the circumstances of our world but because it helps change our perspective.
"May I suggest a few things which might be done to prepare us for a time when we are less affluent and possibly happier.
1. Wean ourselves away from dependence for our happiness upon mere material and physical things. This could mean a bicycle instead of a car, and walking instead of a bicycle. It may mean skim milk instead of cream.
2. Learn to do without many things and have some reserve to fall back on...
3. Develop an appreciation for the great gifts of God as found in nature, in the beauty of the seasons; the eloquent testimony of God in the sunrise and the sunsets, the leaves, the flowers, the birds and the animals.
4. Engage in more physical activity that does not employ the use of hydrocarbons, including walking, jogging, swimming, and bicycling.
5. Have a hobby that involves your mind and your heart and can be done at home.
6. Pay your tithes and offerings. The keeping of this commandment will not insure riches—indeed, there is no assurance of being free from economic problems—but it will smooth out the rough spots, give the resolution and faith to understand and accept, and create a communion with the Savior which will enhance the inner core of strength and stability...
7. Develop the habit of singing or, if this is not pleasant, whistling."
- The Blessings of Adversity by, James E. Faust.
I love how President Faust says we'd possibly be happier with less in that very first line. I can testify of that from my own experiences! Necessity is the mother of innovation! It's an opportunity to learn frugality, creativity, gratitude, and good old-fashioned hard work. It's beautiful!!
In 2008 my husband and I moved to Provo for him to finish getting his Bachelor Degree. I was pregnant with my 4th child, Kaylee. We lived there in that tiny little apartment for 8 years, until the fall of 2016. Money was really tight because Joseph only made $10 per hour and didn't work more than 15 hours per week while he was in school. I was a stay-at-home mom/ apartment manager.
Those who know me, know that I strongly believe in functionality before fashion. During that time we had to get creative with our living space since our apartment was so small. We used our food-storage buckets for seats on one half of the kitchen table. The benefit of using the buckets to sit on made it easy for us to slide our plastic table up against the wall when we needed more room in the kitchen. We had old mis-matched chairs we got for free that surrounded the other half of our table. All the kids slept in bunk beds. I shined up used toys from the D.I. for the kids birthdays and Christmas presents. Family outings or dates with Joseph were never to restaurants, plays, shows, or vacations but instead consisted of lovely walks, hikes up nearby trails, or bike-riding. These were honestly some of the happiest times of my life I'll forever treasure! Life was so simple and best of all, my kids learned to be satisfied with less! Even to this day, they still prefer thrift store shopping.
I guess you could say we were poor then but I didn't feel like it. We had every possible thing we needed. I felt overwhelmingly blessed!! We were always faithful in our tithing, as tight as things were, and we had the windows of heaven opened to us!! I learned to buy things used, learned to do simple sewing, plumbing and appliance repairs on my own, I learned to cook from scratch every single night, learned to have a blast just playing card games around the table or dancing to our favorite music in the living room. And late nights at the laundromat was an event the kids looked forward to.
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| Eating dinner with our neighbor, Lou Crandall (and his dog Willie). (Photo 2015: Lou and me in the back right and Miriam next to me, Micah in the back left with Kaylee in front of him, Chandler in the very front.) |
Lou was a widower who lived above his printing museum next to our apartment. We loved having him over to visit! Lou was a child of The Great Depression. His appreciation for the simple things of life ran deep. We loved Lou's attitude because every time we'd see him out for his morning walk hunched over his walker, we'd ask how he was doing. He'd straighten his crooked back as much as possible and reply with a huge smile, "Wonderful! In fact, I couldn't be bitter!" And he was far from bitter because he was such a grateful man, always seeing the good and the blessings of life, always thankful to God. It was paramount in him and it showed.
With inflation going crazy, I don't know if we're headed for another Great Depression... but I don't fear the future. God has always taken care of our little family in miraculous ways. He has led us through the wilderness. Through every single hardship, my faith has been strengthened and my testimony has grown immensely. If we stay close to the Lord, follow His words, I testify with all my heart He will work all things for our good, no matter what the future holds. Have faith, not fear.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." - Psalm 23
