take it, or leave it?

I've spent way too much time in the last hour (time which I really do not have today) trying to figure a good way to explain the topic on my mind.

Which is, in short:

When you don't have a lot of money, it's easy to be drawn to good deals, to veritable steals. But in the same hand, when you don't have a lot of money I think it's easier to waste it on "steals" that you're proud of finding but probably don't need .

Such has been my recent experience at various garage and consignment sales around town. I'm THRILLED and VERY PROUD of the great deals I've found, but in reality, if I'm being really honest, I usually don't need what I buy. In fact, I probably need other things for which that money could more judiciously be spent.

In addition to being an avid saver, I need to remember to also be a good steward. Sure, a great deal is hard to pass up, but if you find yourself using the word "might" (i.e. "he might really like that toy," or "those shoes might be great for next fall," or "I might be able to use that whatchamacallit to help harvest the rice in the back-yard rice paddie I'm planting next year" then stick that money back in your pocket and move along. If it is not necessary NOW, leave it.

That's what I'm trying to tell myself, anyhow.

I'm almost sure the same could be said for the words "someday," "later," and "eventually". In reality, truth of the matter is that "later" you'll find more screaming deals. And "eventually" your sister may send you a box with that very toy in it. And "someday", those shoes you want for your son will be on the clothing-exchange table at church.

Disjointed post. But sometimes I have to type it before I'll believe it, Let alone, live it.