Cultivating the permanent ability of being useful and generous

Several years ago I came across a wonderful quote and for a long time it was posted on my fridge. It talked about how when an individual practices frugality and self restraint,they make themselves permanently able to be useful and generous. It was by Mrs. Child. When I find it I will post the exact quote.

I was moved on a deep level by this quote. It started working within me. It came to me at time when we had very little income. I began thinking how I could improve my family's well being by putting this idea in to action. I started thinking about how I could help those around me. I used to pay attention to the price of things but this quote changed my perspective on the amount of money I had available. I was struggling with what I call "poverty thinking". I was spending a little too much time around people who were very focused on what they didn't have. I began spending time around people who had a better focus. Then I started actively searching for ways to reduce the amount of money I spent but increase the amount that I brought home. And the next step was to then build up a storage of things my family needed but for less. After that came the opportunity to help a family I knew. It was a very private transaction. They needed help and I could help. Not with money but with food. I still didn't have money but I had food. It was a wonderful experience to help a friend in that way. And since that time I have been able "to be useful and generous" more than a few times.

The choice to be frugal can be viewed in two ways. Some people think that being frugal is a drudgery that must simply be endured because income is low. They believe that it must be acknowledged in every conversation lest the person they are talking to might forget that they are lacking in money. I choose to believe that being frugal is a great way for me to exercise creativity in the running of my home. My husband is a very creative individual. His creative abilities provide the income for our home. He's paid the price to get to where he is today. He's honed the talent God gave him. He has worked for many years to be at the level he is today.

Frugality can be honed in the same way. With each passing day I am honing my abilities to use well the income that my husband provides. And I've learned something along the way. THIS IS FUN!!! AND I'M GETTING GOOD AT IT!

I hope those who read my blog will find encouragement in their frugal journey. I HOPE YOU WILL FIND THE FUN!!!