Chapter 8 – Simplifying – Part 5

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

Exercise 5: What I Want

Think of something you have just been dying to buy. List all the reasons you should have this thing and all the reasons you want it. Then list any reasons, especially those in the “I can’t really afford it” category, why you shouldn’t have it. Wait six weeks and if by that time you still have the desire to buy the item and have figured out how to manage it financially, go ahead and buy it.

I’ve, we’ve, already done this on a larger scale. A couple of years ago, we we’re considering buying a new car(s). The reasons for buying new were and continue to be as follows:

·        One vehicle should be replaced with something newer

·        The other should be replaced with something that would hold more kids

·        All vehicles are paid off

·        I’ve continued putting money into an account that would represent a down payment as well as future monthly payments

·        We have enough in the budget to make a second, simultaneous payment

·        We both enjoy cars

·        We’ve never waited this long to buy new

Reasons for keeping the old are as follows:

·        There is nothing wrong with either vehicle aside from yearly upkeep

·        One is a work truck and why replace it with something better

·        I love my car and have yet to find something I appreciate more

·        I don’t have any extra kids to transport

·        I can borrow an SUV or minivan from relatives at any given time

·        Price of gas in maintaining a guzzler

·        We use the car payment fund as needed and in emergencies

·        The additional money continues to get used for dentist appointments and big ticket items.

·        It’s nice not having a car payment

Oh, we still look and we still want, but we’ve finally stated out loud that it is not necessary. We could run one into the ground and we still have a third car and a motorcycle to get us by. It’s taken the pressure off of us. I get very stressed about monthly payments. Why bother, until it’s necessary. Besides, it is the anticipation that I love!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:13 (ESV)