Trusting

Why is it that just when you feel like you're getting things under control, the unexpected arises, and suddenly you feel out of control all over again. My Handyman and I have really been implementing the teachings of Dave Ramsey for about 6 months now, and we had really found our rhythm. The budget was working well for us every month, it was pretty simple to plan the month's spending before the month begins, and it just felt like things were really starting to roll. We're working on fully funding our emergency fund, and for the new year we set a pretty aggressive goal of increasing the 2 1/2 months worth of living expenses we have set aside to 4 months worth by June.

Then reality hit. It's January. Not a lot of people want to have their homes fixed in January. And my Handyman had first one day, and then another, and another day off because there was no work scheduled. So far he's worked two days in the new year. Yikes! Suddenly I've had to shift my brain from "Let's see how much money we can save" to "Let's see how very little we can spend" so that we don't have to start using our emergency fund, rather than adding to it as we had planned.

It's been a frustrating shift in focus. I'd so hoped to be making progress financially, and now we're just trying not to lose ground. It's been a good exercise for me, though, as I try to be as resourceful and creative as I can with our meals, to try to keep the grocery budget very low. And it's good, too, because I am realizing that it is possible to get by on very little, if I just stay out of the stores. Maybe this time is just a training period for us, to show us where we have been wasting money so that in the coming months when our income returns we can continue to live on little and reach our goals faster.

And our Father is so faithful. Throughout this time I know that He is our provider, and I don't have to worry. I've been readying through Job in the last week or so, and it has been such a good reminder that our heavenly Father is so good, all the time, no matter what circumstances we face. Job's example of humility and reverence of the Lord when he faced unimaginable hardship has been inspiring. It's humbling to know that our great God cares for us, knows our needs, and best of all, is present with us through every circumstance.

And things are looking up - my Handyman has work scheduled for at least the next four work days. =)