
We don't invite many people over for dinner in the fall. If someone should "surprise" us and drop by, they are likely the ones who will be "surprised" -- and they may never come back!
Not many women could live with a man like me. And even fewer women would be willing to live frugally so that we can enjoy the "finer art" of rural existence. My wife, I'm convinced, is custom made for me. She's a Proverbs 31 woman, but so much more.
To give you some background, I left a low-stress, comfortable job to work in the very challenging and not-so-comfortable, high-stress battlefield of public policy. We were both reluctant to leave the security and comfort of my former job. But God was clearly moving in our hearts, and we knew God would win if this struggle turned into a wrestling match!
When God speaks, you listen. And the quicker you submit your will to His will and act in obedience, the sooner your mind and soul will be at peace. As for the future, take a deep breath, buckle up and take the next step in faith.
Fast forward to the present: We now have the privilege to work in ministry within the realm of public policy. I'd be lying if I said it's easy and comfortable. Hardly! But I'd also be negligent if I didn't tell you that there's great satisfaction living in His will.
God has always kept a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, cars running and food on the table. But the methods we employ to make ends meet and live on some acreage often require thrift, humility and lots of hard work.
This is why I say that my wife is a unique and very courageous person to adapt, endure and persevere with me (and our crazy life). What's amazing is that she remains my greatest advocate and my steadfast encouragement -- she never condemns me for not providing an "easier" life for her (aside from her dislike of raising chickens).
It's funny how God joins us with just the right person, isn't it? If God joined you two together, then your spouse is made just for you -- to mature, complement and complete you. And this will only become more apparent the longer you are married. Love is sacrificial, but also complementary. So much is required, and yet there is such an abundance to be gained.
Back to why you may not want to visit us in the fall ...
First off, we buy good, used cars, but they do have "character." Some might think, "I'd never drive that!" But, hey, they run pretty well.
Next you'll see a black mountain of coal near our driveway (we live in the country) along with black gloves and coal-carrying bins by the front door. We cut heating costs using a coal-burning stove in our basement. My tiny wife stokes the fire all day long in the fall and winter -- it's a hard, dirty job, but she doesn't complain.
And did I tell you she watches our neighbor's baby a few days per week (extra "fun" cash)? Our kids learn responsibility by collecting eggs from our chickens, so Jen can grind some wheat and make fresh bread. She's amazing!
Warning: This part's a little ugly if you're squeamish.
Our dining table is just large enough to hold the hind leg of an elk or deer, so that we can butcher our meat and freeze it for the coming year. Yes, I hunt deer and elk -- not for sport, but out of thrift and necessity -- so we can eat well and live in the country.
My wife and I butcher our own meat, because processing is expensive. Meat, blood, gloves, knives and freezer wrap adorn our fall table. (A slight frown, however, betrays Jen's fragile smile and exposes her dislike for butchering. But, she courageously "bucks" up and does it anyway.)
Still want to visit us in the fall?
We're a unique team, and only God could have known the wife I'd need. She's my perfect mate, and I thank the Lord bringing her -- and her alone -- to me in marriage.
We may wear slightly worn clothes (or from half-off sales), drive humble cars, have coal soot on our faces, make our own bread and pull elk or deer meat from our freezer to eat. This frugal lifestyle is not for everyone. But thrift works for us, and I'm glad my wife's in agreement, especially in the fall.
Times are tough, and we're all tightening our belts. Have you had similar experiences, trying to enjoy life but save money at the same time?