Expenditures

We were able to go to the beach by splitting costs with gracious extended family. So, for a few days I was able to skimboard and listen to waves break and breathe ocean air and marvel at the beauty and expanse of God's sea, the ancient waters out of which the earth was formed (2 Peter 3:5). When we came home, we were able to purchase wood floor for our new place of residence at a discounted price from my place of employment, and with skillful leadership of our dear friend Terry, we were able to lay the floor ourselves throughout the house. I feel mostly justified about large expenditures when I am able to cut costs in any creative or fortunate ways, but I still agonize to some degree over every decision regarding where my money will go. In fact I feel a need to justify my expenses because I'm sometimes embarrassed of my standard of living in light of global conditions. I am quite torn about my modern needs, and I think the tension is biblical. Jesus says, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23) while Paul reasons, "He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all- how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?" (Rom 8:32). This is part of the careful balancing act that keeps us walking on the narrow path, and entering through the small gate (Matt 7:14).