Seriously, spending hiatus, shmending hiatus! It's not been very tough at all, and I really can't take any of the credit for the ease that we've experienced thus far. Sure we've cut back, stopped shopping, made a few sacrifices, but it's nothing compared to what's been given to us. The amount of generosity that has been showered upon us since hubby lost his job has been nothing short of mind blowing. Case and point:
- We have incredible support coming from loved ones who check in on us, continuing to send love/prayers/good vibes/positive thoughts our way. It hasn't let up in the least. And then there's the occasional sweet surprise, just because. We are crazy blessed.
- Family and friends have taken it upon themselves to literally feed us (quite well, I should add)... Both sides of our family have graciously invited us over and/or out for countless dinners. We've had good friends and new friends open their homes to us for meals and wine and fun. This not only entertains us and helps lessen our bills, it makes life so sweet.
- We've been the grateful recipients of clothes for our kids. I'm serious when I say that my little ones are sporting some nicer duds than I probably would have sprung for because of our stylishly, big-hearted friends' hand-me-downs.
- And then there's the fact that I happen to be having a heck of a lucky streak, winning blog giveaways all over town. There are so many generously talented folks taking the edge off of this cruddy economic state. I hesitate to share this as to jinx my run, but I've got well adorned wrists (right and left), a very pretty finger and a full coffee mug. (I'm not even kidding!)
So I'm going to wrap myself up in the love and generosity that is being thrown our way, and I'm going to be throwing it right back out. When practicality sneaks in and tries to dampen my giving spirit, I'm going to squish it. This little nugget just might be in the running for my 2010 motto... Definitely something to strive for:
I'm in debt and I'm going to do my best to repay and pay it forward. Not a single person in my life expects anything in return, which makes it all the sweeter to pay it back. I am so grateful.
19 comments:
Lovely lovely post. Glad to know you are getting lots of support.
goosebumps here...God is good! I love your blog and not that it is any help but my love lost his job about a year ago today due to cutbacks in the retail industry. Funny that he had two degrees and nothing to do with retail. He hated retail, so when he was laid off, I begged him to take it to God and pray that he would end up having a job perfectly suited to him.
I was working at Starbucks and he began collecting U.I.
We had a spending hiatus as well and then just when it seemed like there was not going to be anything God gave him a job in the two areas he loves most: apologetics and web design. I am so glad we waited on God. (don't know if that is any help or relative to you but it is really cool how things work together for the good of those who love Him!) Sorry for taking up so much space. xo
A very heartfelt post. Erin I'm so happy you have a great support system. I'm sending postive thoughts your way this journey won't be long. xoxo
I'm tearing up over here ...
How truly wonderful. You are loved and taken care of, and there is nothing better than that. Thanks for sharing this with us.
You have a wonderful attitude and I hope it's contagious because it's a bug I hope to "catch!" Good things come to those who deserve them, clearly you do.
By the way, I love that font you are using for your post titles.
Have a truly wonderful day.
E, that was so inspiring. I feel the same way about my family and friends too. They are so good to us and we are taken care of through this tough time. I need to send some thank you cards to the people that are so important in getting us through. This economy is TOUGH and stress is certainly high.
I am saying prayers of thankfulness for sure.
What a tremendous time of blessing your family is encountering right now!! Thanks for sharing =)
Have I mentioned how glad I am that we're friends? So nice to be able to support one another in times like these!
Ditto Kotori! You are such an amazing person Erin and I am glad as well to call you my friend!
Oh my goodness! I feel all mishish now :) What a beautiful post, full of sincere gratitude and full of delight!
God bless you wonderful woman :) And to the coming months, that this time will be seen as a joy, as a trial made easier because of the love surrounding you :)
you're attitude is so inspiring...really. it's amazing what gifts i receive when i allow myself to be open in receiving them.
I am with Christina--your attitude is completely inspiring. I am finding that the spending hiatus is going well as I have zilch dollars to spend! Wonderful quote!
it's a wonderful thing when gifts come with no strings. (rhyming not intentional.)
wow, that was just awesome to read. There is good in this crazy world. I love your attitude.
touching post friend. have a great wknd. you should goto art fest with your family at fair park for some fun!
How motivating!! It is always so great for me when I can a weekend without spending -- I need to read your back posts and find out how long your hiatus is for! How awesome! Husband and I need to start saving for a house and really -- I am hoping we can do it on the fast track!
You make me smile:)
Wonderful post. Isn't the kindness of friends and strangers amazing? I will send many prayers your way!
you somehow found your way to my blog and i linked through your post to you. ah yes! not quite what you are doing, but we are doing a year of buying nothing new. it is easier than i imagined and all sorts of wonderful people, stories, and generosity have emerged!
nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com
Post a Comment