This past year has been the worst year for us financially. We have struggled to pay our bills most months. Though we occasionally splurge on a Starbucks, we’re not spending money on clothes, manicures, other fun stuff… It just isn’t in the budget. However, no matter how tight money gets we have been continually reminded how much we DO have. So many people are worse off than us. The local shelter currently has over 100 people (including children) staying with them.
I realized this past year that so easily it could have been us. Each month we squeak by and each month we’re thankful. And because of that every month we try to find ways to give back. The homeless man in the Walmart parking lot, the easy gift cards for food banks at the Meijer checkout, the Red Cross buckets, the young man selling magazine subscriptions for children’s hospitals… Something comes up every month that gives us opportunities to give.
If you keep your eyes AND hearts open, you’ll be surprised at all of the opportunities that arise. And if you’re like us, you’ll be surprised to find that extra five dollars in your wallet just when you need it.