Today, for some reason, I was thinking about how my life might change if I won a chunk of change in the lottery. (That would be a stretch, since I might play once or twice a year.)
- I would quit my day job and volunteer a bit more.
- I would pay college loans for my children, and help them with more school to help them find careers they love.
- I would purchase homes and vehicles (and pay the insurance) for my family.
- I would give anonymously to people in need - especially single moms.
- I would replace washing machines, air conditioners, and make car repairs for needy families in Jesus' name.
- I would pay deductibles and medical expenses for the working poor.
- I would treat children to new clothing and shoes for school.
- I would sponsor new prom dresses and shoes and hair for needy teens.
- I would sponsor mission trips and church camp for lots of people.
Would I call one of my favorite thrift stores to come pick everything up and go out and buy new stuff?
Well...it might surprise you, but even if I won 52 million dollars...I would keep many of my thrift store treasures.
Most of them, in fact.
Of course, I might professionally upholster some of them...
Others might get a little professional help...with glue, clamps, and such.
I would definitely purchase new bed frames and mattress sets...extra cushy ones. New goose down pillows would be on the list, too...
But this chest of drawers would probably be donated...
I would keep this old trunk as well as the things on top of it.
But the Ikea shelving would probably be relegated to storage in the garage or something.
I guess what I'm saying is that no matter the circumstances, I like this junk I have accumulated over the years.
I love the old books and quirky pieces. And I like it that not everything matches.
I'd keep the hutch, but it might be used somewhere else. The table and chairs would stay. Those chairs are due for a paint job...maybe before Christmas.
And I'd probably keep my house...and make some repairs and structural changes to it. I'd furnish it with cozy furniture and offer it to my church to use for visiting speakers and to my friends and family for whenever they passed through.
Where would I live? I would buy a different house in which to live...maybe even in a different city.
It would have bigger rooms, and more open layout for hosting Bible studies and small groups. It would have lots of windows and light.
I would buy a house for my parents nearby...and for any of my children who might want to live nearby as well.
Then I would enjoy shopping thrift stores, flea markets (maybe PARIS!!!) and taking road trips to parts unknown to find new quirky things for all of us. I would still paint things myself.
I would hire someone to sew for me, and to clean my house and do my yard work! Then, I could just weed a bit, prune or dead head, plant a bit...and let someone else mow and edge and prune trees.
Even with millions of dollars in the bank, I don't think I would ever stop searching for thrifty treasures...and I would probably still post about painting them!
Word for the Day:
Acts 20:35
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
