Unexpected Gifts

Since my husband lost his job, our family has become more budget-minded. There's been more sale-watching, coupon clipping, and downsizing in the realm of restaurant meals and movie tickets. Although there's been a fair amount of grumbling -- mostly from the under-18 set -- we have learned some great techniques for creating more out of less and are really no less happier than when John was gainfully employed. We aren't the only family that is affected by the economical climate. In fact, I am finding that instead of focusing on disappointments and feelings of lack, many of my friends and I are finding the opportunities for coming together and sharing what we do have. This has happened to me twice in the last week. My upper back tends to resemble more of a mountain range; I store my tension there and there seems to be a family of knots who are permanent squatters. My friend is a massage therapist and this week I created a homemade lunch for us and, in return, she worked her magic on those knots. What a great trade! She doesn't like to cook and I don't have a massage built into my budget... we each got to share something and both felt satisfied and grateful. My other friend raises free-range chickens and we've always purchased eggs from her. Costco's eggs are more cost-effective for us these days, but she asked if we'd like to babysit for her in exchange for the delicious eggs. Yes we would! She and her husband get a night out and we receive fresh, organic eggs. What a happily hatched idea!

By nature, I'm an optimistic person. I really do try to look for the good in people and situations. What I am finding is that in the face of a potentially depressing time for us, I am feeling more optimistic than ever. I am also thinking that all of this budget-minded behavior is something that could and should continue once John lands that perfect job. There are so many opportunities for sharing our gifts and goods with each other -- why don't we do that more often? Why does everything have to hold a dollar value? My experience is that when I share something from my heart instead of my wallet, the gratitude is immense. Now if only I can convince the local gas station to exchange fuel for a pan of lasagna...