Little Luxuries

Having a husband in law school has brought its challenges. It became our new reality that Daddy would be gone all day and then would be studying or working at night and on weekends. I've realized that every time I think there is going to be a "break" it is never quite what I thought it would be (always less!). It has been difficult to prioritize communication when it seems that B and I speak different languages now (and I'm not even remotely fluent in his legal jargon!) And even though we should have been used to "just getting by" financially (the story of our entire married life), becoming beholden to school loans has taken us to a whole new level of dependance on God.

In times like these, things that seem ordinary and good become luxurious that we say no to. Things like:
1) Haircuts. (Mine, since I do everyone else's.)
2) A larger soup pot (we eat LOTS of soup this time of year!)
3) Footy jammies for the kids (not every room upstairs has a radiator.)
4) Groceries. Can't buy more when there are things in the pantry still. (But what can you make with only 4 packages of beans?!)
5) Driving. If we cut out fun trips to free places (Amazement Square and the library) we can save money.
6) Dates. Can't justify paying a babysitter when we don't have income ourselves.
7) Baby Ergo carrier (that I have been wanting for years). I dream that it would make life easier (but maybe not).
8) A Christmas Tree (we have always had a live tree and God usually provides one for us at the last minute)
9) Replacements for things broken: curling iron, (the only) hairbrush
10) Van repairs (that noise can't be something serious, can it?!)
11) Socks and underwear. I throw out things with holes; lately I hear complaints that people can't find socks and undies. Oops.
12) Coffee (B isn't happy with this, but it's only until I get to the grocery store again.)
13) Sam's Club renewal. . . will have to wait.
14) Christmas gifts
15) Chocolate (this is my luxury foregone. But that's probably a good thing, too.)

The real significance of this is not that we are wanting. Aren't we always wanting?! I know that my heart so quickly seeks to find satisfaction and comfort in things apart from Christ. The beauty in our situation is that we can't quickly fill these "needs" and wants we have. . . and so it leads us to seek Christ more fervently and desperately (which is more in line with out deep need!). I love being in this place of need because I see more clearly how God takes care of us. Our neighbor drops by with a loaf of bread. A friend passes along sausages her family didn't eat. Even though I am thinking about these other things, I don't really WANT them all- for the wanting and the aching and the inconvenience turns me to Christ and I recognize that I have ALL: life and breath, eternal hope and my daily needs met. This is a very good place to be.