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.
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! :-)
ReplyDeleteWell 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!
ReplyDeleteThanks.. And definitely no hoarding here!
ReplyDeleteGood, b/c I don't know if we could remain kin if you were a hoarder. HAHAHA!!
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