I don’t know if y’all have heard, but apparently our nation is in the midst of some economic turmoil. You don’t hear that much about it unless you happen to read the news, have a conversation with someone, or leave your house, but it’s true. The economy has fallen and it can’t get up.
So, let me tell you about the new pair of jeans I bought on Thursday. I found them on sale at The Rack and just had to have them. They fit so great and were such a good deal. Plus, they have cute back pockets that flap over and I’ve been dying to have some cute back pockets that flap over. I hugged them to my body as I walked up to the cash register while whispering, “You complete me”.
The only problem was that as soon as I got in the car I felt guilty for buying them. To be honest, as much as I tried to justify in my head that I NEEDED them, the six other pairs of jeans in my closet would beg to differ.
And, thus, they are going back to the store this week. Hopefully, they’ll find a good home with some girl who knows how to love and care for cute back pockets that flap over.
My guilt over my jeans purchase went deeper than the fact that I really shouldn’t be spending the money. Yes, that’s definitely part of it since we have no idea how long this recession is going to last and need to be wise with our finances, but something else was making me feel that deep-down yuck in my stomach. I couldn’t quite figure out what it was, but I knew it wasn’t insecurity about the pocket placement on the jeans because that was perfection.
Then yesterday morning, we went to church. The sermon was about being content.
And I realized that was the heart of the jean issue for me, lack of contentment. As much as I am content in some ways, there are other areas where I am so quick to overlook the blessings I have been given because I am always looking for the next thing, whatever that may be.
When I came back from my Compassion trip to the Dominican Republic, my heart was changed. There is something about standing in a shack and hearing a woman tell you that she has all she needs because she has Jesus that gives you some clear perspective. It challenged me to question if I could say that same thing, but even more than that it made me want to live that kind of life. A life that doesn’t get so bogged down in all the things I want and instead focuses on what I have, because, unequivocally, I have more than I deserve.
Honestly, I am ashamed at how often I forget that.
I’m not saying I’ll never buy another pair of jeans again because that would be a lie. The truth is that if God ever gets me to a point where I look in my closet and say I have all I could ever want, then He will have worked a miracle akin to parting the Red Sea.
But last night I looked over the photos of all the sweet faces that I fell in love with in the Dominican and thought about how so many of them had joy and peace that we just don’t really see in our neighborhoods and schools. It made me think of a quote by Benjamin Franklin, “Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.”
(That’s right. I just quoted Benjamin Franklin. Apparently I used to read more than People magazine.)
I want to be that kind of rich. A rich that says I have all I need, in spite of a world that tells me I need so much more.
“…give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” Proverbs 30: 7-9
The other benefit to contentment is it makes you want to reach out to those who really are in need. If you’d like to sponsor a child through Compassion, you can click here or on the graphic below to go to the sponsorship page. It doesn’t have to be a child from the Dominican Republic, there are thousands of kids everywhere whose lives could be changed for just $32.00 a month.
Thanks Melanie! I so needed to hear these words today. Hopefully, prayerfully, I can continue to remember the quote from Ben Franklin – it is so true! Have a great – and contented – week.
I’m in the middle of my own battle with “wants vs. needs” over here. Seriously, if I never bought any more clothes for me OR toys for my son, we could both live off of what we have for years and years. Thanks for helping me to put it in perspective, and for the realization that I’m not the only one who struggles with it. May your week be filled to overflowing.. with Him, in Him, and for Him…
love that quote! so true. God is speaking to me today through you – clear as a bell.
I grew up in a country with extreme poverty. One of my earliest memories if of my mom taking each child at a local orphanage shopping for shoes and underwear. I live in Elkhart. One of the areas hardest hit by unemployment. A precious family from church has a motto – Travel light. After all, aren’t we just sojourners here on earth?
Thanks for your great post.
That is a great reminder for all of us. I gave up Target for Lent (can you believe it!?) for that very reason. Now, each time I think about going there to wander the aisles, I’ll instead think about being content with what I have. And, I’ll write a letter to Brenda, our Compassion child in Uganda!
After my quiet time this morning (which is the first in weeks!), I really felt led to come read your blog or blogs period. Geez, now I know why…conviction. We minister to inner-city youth every day and I am ashamed of how easy I forget to be content. Thank you for your heart to share God’s Word with us.
I, too, haven’t read your blog in a while and “happened” to go here today!
I so agree with all you said. We live in a culture tht tries to convince us daily that more is more instead of less is more.
I hope I can remember that AND Benjamin Franklin’s quote!
WOW – this is exactly what the Lord has been talking to me about lately. It was a blessing to start my day with this reminder. Thanks BigMama!
Beautiful post. My favorite comparison quote (although BF’s is very good!) is from C.S. Lewis….”Comparison is the thief of joy.” I wrote a post last fall (wwww.i-get-to.blogspot.com) saying I didn’t want to be robbed! I want to be content with what He has given me…but let me tell you, when I see flapped back jeans that fit so well…my heart skips a beat too!
The Dominican Rep clickables did not work for me…
I agree that we forget where our lives fit on the line of “having”..we are much higher in monetary value than most—too bad it doesn’t show, eh?
Awesome post. I often struggle with the same thing – in fact, struggled with it regarding a pair of jeans a few weeks ago. Which I did not return. So you are one up on me.
Thanks for the reminder.
Apparently, you haven’t heard of my personal economic stimulus plan. Buying more jeans is no longer selfish; it’s downright patriotic!
Love the C.S.Lewis quote up there…
For lent I gave up shopping. Not the shopping I need to do, mind you. The “but it’s only $8.99 on clearance.” The “I already have 5 gray sweaters but this is so cute.” The shopping where I’m trying to fill a hole with something other than Jesus.
I did it last year too. I don’t even want to admit how hard it is for me. Several years ago I transitioned from emotional eating to emotional shopping.
Awesome post. My ladies’ Bible study has been studying contentment through the book of Ecclesiastes this semester. It has challenged me to the core. I am learning to be grateful for what I have. One of the ladies keeps saying over and over “Gratefulness breeds contentment.” I’m feeling more grateful. Still waiting on that contentment…
And by the way, I, too, was at the Rack last week, and I, too, will be making some returns.:)
All I can say is Amen and I whole heartedly agree with you.
I’ve been thinking a lot about this very thing lately. Thanks for writing this.
Poignant, funny, transparent…wonderful!!!
This is the reason I come back to read all the time because I know you’re going to throw out some transparency and authenticity and I LOVE those characteristics about you! I, too, need to go through the closets and get rid of things that don’t belong, including the walls in my heart that need to be reorganized. Also, I believe our realm of influence greatly affects our contentment. Fellow believers give us a God perspective that we sometimes overlook.
One of my favorite quotes. We all could use this lesson.
Thanks for the great reminder. I do have many blessings in my life.
All I can say to that is: AMEN my sister!
I have been down that road and although I’ve almost won the clothing, purses, jewlery battle, I’m still intensely engaged in the granite counter tops and the right table linens battle. I definately get consumed in details that DON’T matter at all!
What a great post to remind me that I still need to be thankful for all that I do have and forget about all the crap that just doesn’t matter.
You rock Big Mama for so many reasons but most of all I like you for your heart and your faith.
It’s such a struggle. Where do we find a balance between not feeling guilty for purchasing things and knowing when to purchase things? Is there a balance? I don’t know, but I think you’re right with being absolutely content with where we are this very moment with whatever we have. Good stuff.
Take care,
Julie
Thanks for reminding us where are focus truly needs to be.
It is so true that we slip back into bad habit patterns of discontent when we are so blessed! Traveling out of the country changes your heart forever as you see what Christians are dealing with and retaining the joy of Jesus despite the fact they have nothing. It shames us.
Craig and I have done 6 mission trips to Africa, India, and Nepal.We will never be the same. I have begun to wonder if those trips are nor primarily for what God can do in the American heart rather than so much about what He can do through us on these trips!
I think that God is using this recession to bring so many of us closer to Him. I know that I am learning contentment along with many others. I know that my heart is calling for quiet time more than ever. I also think that Ben Franklin can also be credited with “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” I don’t drink beer, but I still think he said that!
Thank you so much for posting this. I really struggle with the “Keeping up with the Joneses” syndrome. I needed to read this today.
I always appreciate the outlook you have!
Apparently I need this lesson worse than I realized – I loved what Angie wrote the other day about being “In Between”, then my husband who has been teaching through the beattitudes, yesterday taught Matthew 5:6 – Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled. We’ve learned that blesses is actually also translated “happy,” so – happy are those who hunger and thirst for the things of God (not the great shoes I couldn’t resist buying) because they will be content/satisified; then you and the great jeans today… Thanks for sharing your struggles – it’s nice to know I’m not alone
I love this post a very, very lot.
I have been receiving this very same message… not over jeans, but things. Books are my heart’s desire, and I think that you can never have too many… but do we really NEED to buy another (even inspirational) book when I have so many wonderful books sitting on my shelf waiting to be read? Probably not… but I can’t help wanting more… And even if we can afford it, does that mean we should get it?
seriously, I think this is the 7th or 8th (or 15th) time I have heard or read this less stuff, more contentment, message…
thanks for this one…
Ah the dreaded buyers-remorse!!! Thanks for the great reminder of learning to be content….I love that quote!! I have really been wanting to sponsor a Compassion child and every where I turn I feel like God is reminding me of this! I need to do it!
Great lesson and one I needed desperately!
Thanks!
I was not expecting to tear up this morning! thanks for the reminder about being content. I needed to hear it right now!!
Lysa TerKeurst has a similar post on her blog about a red coat. Very humbling isn’t it?
Amen, Big Mama! And what a beautiful thing to remember/contemplate as we journey through Lent towards our Easter Celebration! Maybe your Lenten sacrifce could be not shopping?! (Unless that would cause cardiac arrest…we surely do not want that!)
my husband and i were just talking about this. at this time (because he is in school), we live WAAAAAAAYYYYYYY below the poverty line. but we really have everything we need (of course we would love a cell phone and i would love a great stylist). it seems there might be something a little bit wrong in this country when the “poverty line” is set where it is. thanks for the good reminder to be content.
Thanks for this…I just put this as my facebook status…I so need to remember that!
Thank you for a message that I so needed to hear today. Don’t ever doubt that the Lord uses you and your words.
Great post!
This was fabulous Melanie. It must be painful on some level to take back those perfectly pocketed jeans…but good for you. Contentment…I still struggle with it…although now in more of a mental sense. My husband and I are in our mid and late 30′s, and still live in an older apartment complex…the kind that looks a tad seedy. 10 years ago, this really would have bothered me…in fact shamefully if someone would have told 25 yr old me that in 10 years I’d be struggling financially, I may have reconsidered marrying my husband. Now that is shameful…but honest. 10 years later though, the Lord has worked wonders on my heart and I find myself wanting to cut back, wanting to shop at goodwill, wanting to give more to others…even if it means having only 2 pairs of jeans that fit (unless you consider the high rise tapered leg variety that someone gave me, but I won’t wear…yet still keep just in case).
But even though I am getting better on the material side, I still struggle with contentment…I still want more for me…more time…more sleep, more quiet…more for me.
So this was a beautiful reminder, and I also loved how you tied it into a worthwhile cause. Thank you.
Hey Melanie-
I feel the exact same way you do. It is so hard to be content (especially in San Antonio, where the shopping is EXCELLENT). I find myself browsing Target and buying things that I DO NOT NEED…but yet I am a Christian and and supposed to be living my life radically different than everyone else. Buying junk does not seem to be radically different though! Something I have been pondering, but not sure how to proceed with changing yet. I’m proud of you for returning the jeans! Oh, and I used to have some jeans with the flap over pocket and HATED them because the buttons kept breaking off of the flap, then the flaps would stick up unflatteringly. So, good move all around!
Excellent post – needed to hear that today. Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing this and encouraging all of us to strive for a “contented life”. It is so easy to lose sight of that in our society. Thanks for the reminder that Jesus really is all we need!
Thank you for this reminder, Big Mama! Truly to be content in all circumstances like the Apostle Paul spoke of in Philippians 4 is how Jesus desires for His followers to live. May the Lord bless you today!
When it comes to change, WE have to do it (with God’s HELP) – HE doesn’t do it for us – He gave us free will and promised to help us. But we have to make that change, become the “new man”. And through prayer and supplication, we make that request made known and then the work begins for us. And we can do it – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.
And I hear ya! Our American culture runs counter to the “contentment clause” – advertising is constantly bombarding us with subliminal and DIRECT messages to feel that we HAVE to have the new things, WE should be discontent and what is being hawked will “solve all our problems” and that we’ll be “better for it”. Hmm, sounds familiar…I believe a serpent spun the same spiel to a certain lady named Eve. And she bought it. Without TiVo. Without magazines. Without radio.
So from the time Eve donned the first proverbial housecoat, we’ve allowed ourselves to be deceived and have tried to be “new and improved” forgetting often the perfection promised by God.
Who are we trying to fool – us or God? Either way, the “contentment clause” is one to strive for!
well said, friend. i can’t add a thing to it that would make it any more perfect. thanks for sharing your heart!
This was great. I think I need to cut and paste ol’ Ben’s quote on my mind.
OHHH… I am right there with you! I have the same problem! My hubs and I were just discussing this very problem that I have…{yeah that isn’t fun, at all…} I am ALWAYS wanting something different. And, that made me sad to realize that I am like that. I SHOULD be content with what I have, because I DO have ALL I really need. I have Jesus! I have a wonderful husband, I have 2 beautiful girls..I have a roof over my head, and car that runs {most of the time} and food {lots of it, actually!!} in my cabinets. Truly a blessed woman, and I tend to forget that.
Great quote!
Well said, well said! Such a good reminder and a great challenge! Appreciate the wisdom.
P.S. would it be incredibly wrong of me to ask about said jeans? I mean, maybe they are supposed to come live with me? I’d be helping a sister out, right?
That really was a great post, one so timely for myself and many others. In fact, not only did I enjoy your sentiments, but those of the commenters as well. I’m so glad that you chose to share. I love your wit and your conviction. I feel blessed God is using you to minister to us fellow bloggers! This contentment vs. want more battle is always a tough one. Thanks for the reminder to keep looking up.
I can’t tell you how much it means to me, Melanie, to come to your blog every day for a little laughter, and some fashion fun, but mostly for spiritual insight. God has really gifted you and I am blessed by it.
What a great post! Thanks for your honesty – it’s refreshing!
Wonderful post. I have not heard that B. Franklin quote before. I think I will print it and put it up where it can be see often. Thanks.
I just read a quote somewhere recently that struck a chord with me, “You’ll never be happy with what you want, until you’re happy with what you have”. So true!
Great post. I needed to be reminded of this as I am getting my kids clothes ready for spring/summer. I always buy way to much and am sure I can dress every kid on our block. It has been on my heart and mind only to buy what they need this season and not waste money on what they won’t ever wear. This was a blessing to me today!
Because of this, my sweet Melanie, you are taking plunder on the enemy. May God bless you and keep you and fill you and stir you, so that in everything, you may count it all joy.
Love and prayers,
Holly
PS This–”That’s right. I just quoted Benjamin Franklin. Apparently I used to read more than People magazine” was stinkin’ hilarious! You go, Aggie Sister!
Okay wow. Can I just tell you that prior to reading this I cancelled a rather large order on anntaylorloft.com (their pants are $15 off right now) because I felt guilty about spending money, too?! Wow, so glad I’m not the only one out there who struggles with contentment issues!
beautifully written, melody!!! contentment is very often the thorn in my side… a daily struggle.
Wow! I actually just returned a skirt because I had a similar kind of guilty feeling. I’m glad I am not alone out there.
I love it when I can feel God teaching me – and reminding me when I forget – something new, something that truly and drastically changes me.
Melanie, I wanted to tell you that my husband and I are going to sponsor a child through Compassion starting this month. And while I absolutely give God the credit for putting this on my heart, He did it largely through your blog. I didn’t know about Compassion until your trip. And now I know so much that I can’t NOT help.
A point that has very much been on my own mind and heart lately…thanks for the thoughts! Even in need in America, we live like kings compared to the rest of the world. It’s such a heart issue before God, and a tough one. But any step in the right direction feels so good.
Amen – I was just struggling with “WANTING” – a finished basement with furniture, and. . .and. . . and it really is all about contentment. Thank you. . .
I wrote on this very topic in my blog yesterday! I lead women’s ministry at my church and this spring our topic is “Cultivating Contentment”! As I have studied to teach this study I have been incredibly convicted of how radically my circumstances affect my contentment. Even down to a new outfit or pair of jeans
I want to be like Paul, who LEARNED to be content, if he can learn, so can I!!! Bless you!
Amy in NC
I think this is a big ole lesson of this economy. I wrote about something similar a week or so ago….
Have you read Crazy Love by Francis Chan….I cannot tell you how much I am loving it…and he has big thoughts on this too.
That was awesome, Melanie. I felt that exact same way when we came back from Guatemala last January with our new daughter. There’s something about standing on the streets handing a homeless family some bottles of Gatorade that makes your house seem SO HUGE and overstuffed.
Thank you for the reminder. I know you already know this, but you are an awesome writer.
Blessings,
Sandy Cooper
Oh my Goodness! I read daily… but, I am so post shy… I feel like I never have anything of substance to add. I love your writing and was reading your latest post to my mom. (she lives with us and has since her stroke) Well, funny thing happened while reading it. My daughter is 3 and was sitting in my lap and declared “she’s so smart, I bet she’s an Aggie” … I’ve never once read all the way through your “about me” section. With the buh-zillion blogs I read.. how could I have missed that? SO I am sorry for my tardiness in this….
Howdy! I am CeCe- TAMU class of 1996! Gig’Em!
Loved that post today – but I’m dying to know what you think of the Bachelor & after the final rose!! I have a plane to catch in 6 hours but stayed up to see it all! And while on the topic of tv, I just started watching the 1st season of FNL on dvd and absolutely love it… thanks for the recommendation!
Gotta love Ben Franklin. So wise, yet, so unattractive.
And we just decided to sponsor a compassion child yesterday at church! My hubs and I are thrilled! We have a good friend who just became an advocate and pushed us “over the edge”. I can’t wait to be over THAT edge! Thanks for your encouraging words.
Personally I’d be really glad if you kept the jeans. A good pair of jeans is really hard to find. And a pair of jeans on sale is doubly hard. Why don’t you give up something else to take the place of the price of the jeans?
I too have decided that shopping right now is just not the thing to do. It’s unsettling to know that you are alone (like me) and only have yourself to lean on if times get tougher. Plus when I look in my closet it looks like I have enough things to wear. Some really old stuff but oh well!! I went to the mall yesterday and came home with nothing. But I did try on jeans – my favorite brand – and they not only have changed the rise but the length. I cannot get a 32″ hem – only 31 or 33, one too short – the other too long. As I wear jeans every day to work I do wear them out faster. So I appreciate the fact that you found the perfect ones.
Mostly I just went to browse and spend the afternoon instead of napping and watching reruns.
Hugs,
Marie
Looks like we’re all in the same boat together. That makes it a little better. I have also been on a shopping ban. However, last week I went to the consignment store and found a great spring outfit for $20. The when I was in Sam’s, they had a beautiful BCBG black dress for $20!! Even with spending $40, I am thinking I indulged too much. I remember when I would go and spend hundreds and feel great. Sigh. Better to send it to those who need it much more. Great post.
This was precious to read and I thank you for the prospective you put things it and how clear you “bring it home”. Oh to be content where God has us at this very moment.
Great post! We fought hard, gave up the minivan in July to become a one-car family (with 3 kids), and just last month became debt free except the house. And you know what? I still shop at Goodwill and consignment. And we will continue to fight hard to never have a car payment again! And we have–I have–slowly learned to be at least a little more content. May God bless you!
I’m with Marie, Keep the jeans!
Wow. This is exactly how I have been feeling. I struggle so much with wanting material things and I am trying to get some perspective. Thanks for the sweet reminder. Wonderful post (I am new to your blog- Pioneerwoman recommended it- and I love it!)
I sponsor a child too with Compassion and would recommend them highly. It’s also serves as a great home school lesson that teaches about prayer, tithing, geography, writing, reading, culture and much more.
I am so with you, BigMama…God has been speaking to my heart about the issue of contentment, as well…Thanks for this post.
That was a great post!
Benjamin Franklin had a remarkable impact in so many ways, including his remarkable aphorisms. A Benjamin Franklin article just received the ‘Top 100 Electricity Blogs’ Award http://bit.ly/z8Ckp