Lessons on Thrift

One of the historic houses here in Vermont.

The greatest hardships often help build our wisdom and character. This is especially true when we lean on the Lord to get us through the hard days.  Winter is an example of a difficult period of time, particularly in cold climates like ours.  Have you ever read "The Long Winter" by Laura Ingalls Wilder?  It is a historic description of life during an incredibly difficult season. The winter weather was so intense that storms prevented the train from coming into town.  Everyone was waiting for their supplies. Residents and shopkeepers did not receive necessary provisions. They endured what must have been a frightening and discouraging season. I was amazed by the Wilder brothers and their ample supplies they were able to use to help others. 

Railroad tracks, near our house, during a recent storm.

If those families, in the old days, did not practice the art of thrift, and carefully saved what they could for winter, they would not have survived.

This morning's view of snowbanks along a path at our property.

I often think of that story during the months of January and February. These are the coldest and stormiest months of the year in our rural village.  I am grateful for the shelter of our drafty 1850's house. I am often looking out the window, watching the storms, and seeing a white landscape.  And even though I love to see the snow, I am quietly waiting for spring. 

In order for us to get through these difficult days, I have to remember the old-time lessons of thrift.  When one practices frugality out of necessity, it will change the way one handles money going forward. You will not be able to spend money without great thought and concern. We realize the most basic needs are: Humble food, heat in winter, and modest shelter. These become the focus for the budget. We also need to remember that if we have enough to get through, and a little extra to help someone in need (much like the Wilder boys in Laura's book), it will be such a relief and a blessing. 

Some of the things we are doing right now to practice necessary restraint in spending include the following:

1.  No matter how I feel, as I recover from an illness, I still have to get up and bake bread and make homemade soup - or else there will not be much to eat.  Convenience food or take-out meals are not an option. Homemade meals are more nourishing and cost far less money.

2. We are due for a kerosene delivery next week for our heat. I always struggle to come up with enough money to pay for the February delivery. It is hundreds of dollars and puts a strain on so much of what we need. This is always on my mind and prevents me from spending any money. 

3. I have been trying to use less electricity but am failing in recent days. I have been partly bedridden due to an illness. This has caused discouragement. To help me remain cheerful, I have been watching DVD's of old programs on television. I would rather read a book by a sunny window, but have given-in to the need for a peaceful form of recreation that is costing us money on the electric bill. (As soon as I feel better, I hope to be more diligent with avoiding unnecessary use of electricity.)

4.  I am not shopping. This is the perfect time to buy off-season clothing on clearance. The prices on good quality clothing are drastically reduced. However, we are not buying anything. We will make do with what we have and take care of our things.  If we make things last, while avoiding the spending of money, this will provide us with resources to help in emergencies and to manage basic expenses. 

5. On one of our recent medical trips, we stopped on the roadside to get pictures of the scenery. This has brought me great joy as I love the beautiful views all around me.  How can one worry about anything when we see God's creation in plain view! We, as His children, are dearly loved! 

Living a life of thrift should not be considered depressing. It is a wise and prudent use of money. We should carefully consider all that we do with what we have been given. Whether we live in financial hardship or abundant riches, we must not let money affect our feeling of security or our mood!  

Life means far more than money.  We have the privilege of calling upon our Heavenly Father in prayer. We go to Him with our needs each day. He is the great provider!  Each day we should feel a sense of contentment. We must not worry.  The Lord will get us through this difficult winter, as we seek a close walk with Him.  Always remember that we are His dear children, and He loves us so very much. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

The beautiful testimony of the Mother of D.L. Moody - Poverty in the 1800's.

Making the best of what is available to cheer the family along - Homemade Birthday Dinner. 

Thrifty Wisdom from the Old Days - To Earn and Not to Spend.

 

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115 pages, paperback.