I’ve been thinking about the motto from the great depression years: “Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without.” Doesn’t seem to fit the way most of us are living today. I, too, have fallen into the trap of FOMO (fear of missing out). I see, I want, I buy whether or not I have the cash on hand at the moment. It’s a dangerous trap that can spell ruin.
For the past two years, I’ve been trying to change my spending habits. Since I live on a fixed income, I need to remember there is no need to purchase anything I don’t need. God will provide for my needs. My wants need to be set aside.
Example. I love coloring. I have way too many coloring books. I couldn’t color all the pages if I lived another 200 years! Also, I fell into a trap of purchasing different sets of colored pencils because they were “on sale” budget priced pencils. Today they sit unused. I have a select group of pencils I use every time I color. I’m looking into donating these pencils to a shelter. My daughter is on the board for a charitable organization to help women coming out of human trafficking situations or have aged out of state foster care. I’m hoping this organization will welcome such items.
Now whenever the urge to purchase arises, I realize it is coming from Satan, not God. And I remember and repeat the motto: “Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without.” Lifting my cup of tea with a smile as I realize what a good motto to keep in mind!
Carol Ann Erhardt, Author 