Slice of Life
Embracing Poverty Part II
During the leanest of years - and there were many - my children and I laughed out loud when recalling our local Priest talking about fasting and almsgiving during Lent and Advent.
We laughed, because we realized it's what we did on a daily basis due to a lack of many resources in our lives. It really was funny to us at the time, and yet looking back some might categorize it as being sad.
The reality though, was that we truly did always have enough food - we just didn't have excessive amounts. Food was something we enjoyed, and we ate certain foods for strength, well-being, and energy.
My children were dancing at a pre-professional ballet school and involved in sports as well. We would have a nice breakfast, and then a hot lunch before heading off to dance or sports
At night we would pick at leftovers, or have a light dinner of fruit, cheese and crackers, yogurt, or soup. We ate light as we were heading straight to bed most nights, and honestly always felt satisfied.
We found that sharing what little we had with friends and neighbors always seemed to multiply our feasts, and filled our bellies with nourishment and our hearts with the friendship of others.
While I prayed everyday for God to make a way for me to become more financially secure, those lean years had many happy moments with some beautiful memories.
The lean times made us rely more on God and deepen our prayer life as a family. They taught us that this world and the "things" in it might pass away, but God would always be there through both the highs and the lows.
Let us know if you've found blessings in lean times. Email us and let us know if you'd like us to share your story.
~ Karen ~
