In Which I Justify My Purchase
I am cheap thrifty. Always have been. But when my husband lost his job way back in May, I wondered if my frugality would be enough of a contribution to the family finances. Thankfully, temporary work, a few cleaning jobs, and providential gifts from friends bumped us along until my husband found a full-time job.
The bills are paid on time, but we still do not have extra money for frivolity. So why did my husband agree to buy me a potter’s wheel?
- My kiln is empty.
- It was an excellent deal.
- Because of the price, it can be sold without a loss.
- It is a tool that will last many years.
- The possibilities are undeniable.
This gift is an investment in me. My dreams are valuable, and one that laid dormant for years is beginning to take shape.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father… James 1:17
Update: I am cheap and stubborn. Gathering laundry this afternoon, my lower back wrenched in agonizing pain. Because this is a new experience, I attribute it to working on pottery even though I knew the table was not high enough. Usually, my determination pays off, but not this time. Walking, laying, and sitting are tolerable, but bending is beyond my pain tolerance. Hopefully, I can add patience to my list of characteristics before I kill myself.
I didn’t pick my paints up again until after a friend gave me a set and it was very hard to spend good money on a quality tablet to paint on (cheap paper is a BAD thing when it comes to watercolors). That gift of paints and the decision to purchase the paper has led to a whole new world of opportunity for me–I, for the first time since I stopped teaching public school when I got pregnant with my first, now supplement my husband’s income and am able to make his income go further.
I don’t know how this will pan out for you but I do know that God has a perfect plan and that receiving such a gift often means He has something new on its way. God is GOOD and He LOVES to give Good Gifts.
Heather,
I am so happy for you! I love to hear how others make money using their skills and talents. I don’t know when I will be ready to sell my work, but before we moved to Texas I sold a number of pieces. I am excited by the possibilities.
There is a lot of learning and work ahead of me, but it doesn’t seem hard when I am doing something I enjoy.
GO RENAE!!! I can’t wait to see the finished product!
Happy New Year to you and your beautiful family.
Ah, the husband is wise… for although the pruchase may have been scrimping financially, the payoff will be incredible. :) And something he could *not* have purchased.
I don’t mean whatever you make either – I mean the contentment you find in using it, and how it makes you *feel*, and staying in touch with the side of you that is not mom/wife and does something just for *you*, so you can do better for others.
Simple put, “If the mama ain’t happy, then nobody happy.” :D
wonderful
bless your hubby
will you show off some of your creations ??? please
Anna-Maire,
I look forward to the finished product, too. :) Throwing came back pretty easy, but I’m searching for glaze recipes. I don’t have nearly as much experience firing my own kiln.
And Happy New Year to you!
Andrea,
Yes, one of my husband’s goals in life is to make me happy. :) I try not to be grumpy, but “Mommy Monster” emerges every once in awhile. I am learning to recognize when I need a break.
Jen,
Thank you. I will post pictures after my first kiln firing, if anything comes out. The first few firings will be full of test glazes. And I am not going to push myself too much. I already wrenched my back and I’ve only made three bowls! I guess I’m not as young as I like to think. :(
this is beautiful – to have a husband who willingly invests in his wife!
what a unique talent you have!
Oh, what a precious gift! Congratulations! :)
Renea, thanks so much for your kind comment on my vacation from the internet. I wanted to let you know I have changed my mind and decided to continue blogging, as I received several emails from readers I didn’t even know I had encouraging me to continue and offering some great tips on limiting my internet time. I hope you’ll continue to read and I will continue to enjoy yours! Happy New Year!
Melinda
http://www.ragtagbeliever.com
There is something mesmerizing about watching the creation of pottery–even in stills. A very merry Christmas to you and yours.
Hope you’re recovering well, Renae! Looks like you’ll have a happy new year with your family no matter. What a wonderful gift in so many ways.
Susan, thank you. My back is much better.
And thank you all so much for your New Year wishes. I hope 2008 is full of blessings for you!
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