Sunday, March 20, 2011

Self-Control

Yet again, inspiration strikes when I'm clipping coupons today. While there's nothing even remotely spiritual involved in this activity, maybe I'm actually quiet enough to experience higher thoughts (ha-ha). First, let me preface this post with some back information...If you keep up with me on Facebook, you know that the tv show "Hoarders" absolutely makes my skin crawl, I have a literal visceral reaction to it. Nonetheless, I'm driven to watch and yell at the people who transform homes into hell-mouths (old Buffy reference, look it up). I cannot fathom how the filth and netherworldly stench does not send them over the edge. If I had my own personal religion, this particular offense could be just cause for ex-communication. Seriously people, this is how much it freaks me out!!!

OK, I've released it. Now I return to my original point; self-control. And as usual, I do things backwards and am beginning with the last Fruit of the Spirit first (Galatians 5:22-23). I fully acknowledge that I'm no psychologist, but I have learned from viewing this weekly horror-mentary that many people create a hoard because they cannot say no to "good deals" or purchasing an insane amount of things they feel they need for reasons of security. These 2 examples are the most rational among the multitude of reasons given, but it made me consider my own ways. How many times have I purchased something in an attempt to save money, only to throw it away? How many times have I purchased extra amounts of anything, just to let them sit and collect dust? Ashamedly enough, too many times to mention! With humility, I thank the Lord that I am not in a state of mind where it's an impossibility for me to throw things away, but I have become acutely aware of my need to practice more self-control!!!

Does this mean I'm out of control? I don't know. If people were to come in my home and look around, they would say no. I like everything to be clean, I take out the trash, and my home has no offensive odors smacking you in the face upon entrance. However, since this has been brought to my attention, it's obviously something I need to improve upon. For the last 2 weeks, I've been making a conscious effort to purchase ONLY the things I had on my list from the grocery store. I accomplished it with no deviation this week, and I managed to save 60% at Harris Teeter by exhibiting greater self-control. I cannot say that it was easy, but dang it felt good!

This is just the beginning of my journey on the path to more complete expressions of self-control. Apparently, against such things there are no laws. (ha-ha)
How about you, girls? How do you manage yourself successfully?

Comments? Questions? Tips? Feel free to share.

4 comments:

  1. Ah yes, self control. Now theres something I've been exercising quite regularly here lately! I have always had a decent job and lived fairy comfortably. Although I have always been thankful for what I have, I had never really experieced or understood struggle. Well, at my current job, it takes me two weeks to make what I used to make in three days and I now understand the meaning of a budget and self control!! I believe the Good Lord decided that I needed to be taught a lesson and I have certainly learned! It would be ok with me if my lesson ended really soon though! :-)

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  2. Well I really hate that you're on the low end of the money right now, but def glad that you have a job again. YAY! And not to make light, but at least you and I will not become hoarders during our self-control exercises. I would really like to become a conduit for blessings to others than to keep everything for myself...just like you!

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  3. Thanks.. And definitely no hoarding here!

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  4. Good, b/c I don't know if we could remain kin if you were a hoarder. HAHAHA!!

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