After working so long on getting our big trip in September figured out, I focused some yesterday on our upcoming anniverary trip. We have reservations to go up north for 3-4 days in a nice place, and hubby had rented the king suite to give us plenty of room. I decided that rather than try to discuss my thoughts with hubby, I would email him, so that he could 'hear' what I was trying to say, and not just certain words he wanted to hear. The words would be 'in front' of his eyes and he could read them over and over, versus just hearing what I said - and what he wanted to hear - once. It also prevented a lot of frustration on my part for his interpretation of what I was trying to get said. Makes sense, right?
Within the hour after I had sent it, hubby came into my 'office' and suggested I take a break and come out on the front court as with the clouds and rain cooling the temperature it was nice to sit in. So I did. As I sat down he commented "I read your email." That surprised me cause it had only been a short while since I had sent it. But his next words really surprised me.... "I agree and think it is a good idea." Wait! What? He agrees without giving a big discussion?
During our 'discussion' the other night he commented about all the money we are spending on these two trips. (Plus the fact that Amazon has been stopping frequently at our house.... I've already started my Christmas shopping. I DO have a lot of people to buy for!) My suggestion? Cancel the hotel for our August getaway. Stay in town and use our home as base. (I know, I talked him into this a few years ago - he didn't like it - so I wasn't sure it would go over this year) I told him we could go ahead and put Sheeba in the pet resort which will give her freedom to run in the yard with other dogs. We could do whatever we want, whenever we wanted, and not worry about getting home to let her out. BUT - my suggestions included a trip to Tucson to visit our granddaughter and her family; go up to Mt Lemon; a trip to Cave Creek to see what stores are still in business (there was one restaurant called The Satisfied Frog before), perhaps a trip to Litchfield to see if the mall that was there YEARS ago around the WigWam is still there... just places to go to so that he could feel he was on 'vacation'. I also told him we could go out to breakfast and dinner every day - just like we would if we were elsewhere. He does love to eat out.
I get it. He is home day in and day out and uses it as his 'base' for whatever... and yes, for the last year and a half it has also been my office and home base. But I'm content to stay at home.... he isn't. I even had the opportunity to comment to him about HIS comments recently about money and his seemingly fear of spending it....although a couple things recently did not bother him at all to spend.... but I told him that what came to mind was the scripture "Money is the root of all evil." You cannot serve two masters - it's either God, or money. God doesn't want us to waste it, but He also doesn't want us to value money before living life. For the first time in our married life we have the ability to DO things (reasonably) and enjoy life. If we go up north... where we have frequently gone over the years and love it... we have been everywhere and would end up sitting in the room most of the time. To me that is a waste of money; we can sit at home - although it would be cooler up there....He agreed with my suggestions for the trip next month, for which I'm grateful. I'm a home person and although I do feel the need to getaway occasionally, I like doing it when I feel the need, not just because it is a special occasion. I've mentioned here before how some days I just NEED to get some space - but that is usually alone...
In Matthew 6:24 and in Luke 16:13 the scripture is the same...."No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
God has blessed us with having some freedom with our money now, but I don't want it to 'own' us. I admit, as I've mentioned before, I love being able to go shopping and get something if I want to. But many times I can go shopping all day; or even get on Amazon, and find nothing that I want to buy. And that's ok. I don't have to spend money. I like having money in the bank. But I'm not hoarding it to pass on to others when I die. I'm enjoying it, just as God intended. I enjoy giving God back what is His already. And in return, He provides all that we need.
Today I get to have lunch with my middle child and I'm really looking forward to it. So that I don't forget what it was I have for him, I have stuck it in my purse. I just hope I remember to take my purse. I know he will like it, but knowing him, he will shrug. That's just his nature. I did it with him in mind and that is all that matters. He was on my mind.
Have you done something special for someone lately? What about taking your child out for a meal? Going for a walk with your spouse? Calling a friend on the phone and letting them know you are thinking about them?
Life is short. Do something special.
Blessings!
