An "Aaaahhhhh" Moment!

You know those times that are rare in life, where the light just comes on and you just go "aaaahhhh!!!!!" Well- I had that feeling last night. As I started that "self help" class, I came across an interesting quote of dealing with money:

"One definition of maturity is learning to delay pleasure. Children do what feels good; adults devise a plan and follow it"

WOW! I am sure my mother has in some sort of way told me this and tried to explain this countless times- but stupid, hard-headed me always thought I was the smartest one. Ha- and I see where that has gotten me! I get so "caught up" with buying/doing things with money- and I don't even realize it. I sat down and started us a budget last night. Obviously the saying is true "make more-spend more" and I am as of now STOPPING the SPENDING. I know that we can make it off of very little, because we did for 4 years. It was hard, but it was also good for us. Becuase now, with the extra income- we should be doing better things with it. And have you ever sat down and figured 10% of your income and what you should be tithing each month? HOLY BAJEZUS were we ever way off! I was just giving what I thought was best, and I felt on cloud 9 to be giving such a gracious amount. Then when I did the figuring tonight- God is probably rolling on the floor at my stupidity! I feel like I have cheated not only my church, but God himself out of this money to glorify his kingdom.

I get so caught up in "society" and what we "want" instead of what we "need" . For instance- did we really "need" to go to 2 ranger's games this year, get a hotel, eat at nice restaraunts- ABSOLUTELY NOT! We were immature and did what felt good! Did I need to spoil my husband and give him two tickets to Nascar, and again another hotel, nice meals, shopping, etc? Absolutely NOT! Did I need to buy my child a $900 swingset when a $300 one would have served the exact same purpose. Grrrr I'm so frustrated with myself right now! Why do I get so caught up in "stuff". All this "stuff" is not going to get me anywhere in life. Have you ever seen a U-Haul behind a hearse? NO! All my life I have struggled with materialistic things and it's finally starting to click. However- it just seems as though we are, as a community, caught up in doing what feels good, and trying to outdo everyone else. I've seen it between families; between farmers; between friends.... it's happening all the time!!! And it is all summed up in the quote I stated earlier- it's the difference between immaturity with money and maturity.

So- I'm starting to learn my lesson! Should have learned it 10 years ago- but I guess we all have to live and learn at some point in our life. Overall- a very good first night lesson and I'm totally excited about what's in store. My main priority out of this entire class is to learn how to work and live on a strict budget- and I know it is not going to be easy!!!!!