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Simple Living Oh for the good old days! How often have you heard someone, especially an older person, voice this longing? I’m certain the individual does not wish to return to the days of scrubbing wash by hand or the lack of running water and other inconveniences of days gone by. * * * Yes, our ancestors missed all the excitement of those little appliances and other gadgets that make our lives so much simpler. (Or do they?) True, we save time with the convenience of these added appliances, such as washing machines, microwaves, and computers. But these possessions we so clearly value have also become a snare to us. Although I never met my great grandparents, I daresay, they led much simpler lives. They did not stand in front of their closets wondering what they would wear that day. Nor did they have a dozen or more shoes under their bed or in their closets. Any correspondence was through letters, so they didn’t have a computer with all its junk email, viruses, and other problems. Instead of shelves of books and toys, they had the Bible and a few homemade toys. No television monopolized their time. The family worked together to survive. They didn’t have the luxury of driving their car to the nearest grocery story or restaurant for dinner. Instead, they grew most of their food. Yes, life was tough for them, but in a sense, life was much simpler. Holidays–especially Christmas–has changed so much over the years. When I was a child, I only received one gift from my grandparents. I never felt deprived. I enjoyed my handmade gifts of love and felt blessed. Today, my children are overwhelmed at Christmas by grandparents’ gifts (especially when one set gives so much more). I know grandparents sometimes try to make up for the lack they had when they were young, but I don’t want my children to forget others in need. One of the best Christmases we had was the year we did not travel out-of-state to see family. Instead, we invested our time (and some money) to help a needy family celebrate Christmas. Rather than getting caught up in the “I’ve got to have this” mentality, carefully consider what you need before acquiring an item. Do you really need that extra pair of shoes to survive, or is it something your flesh desires? Are you trying to keep up with the Joneses? Maybe it only costs a few dollars, but if you really don’t need it, you are wasting your money. Far better is it to save that money than spend it on something you don’t need. I would not want to return to “the good old days,” but I understand the need for the simplicity of yesteryears. How much money, stress, and time we can save by just simplifying our lives.
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Copyright © 2004 by Rachel Keller Want more money-saving tips? Get a FREE Subscription to our monthly newsletter!
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