I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.(Philippians 4:11-12 ESV)
My husband and I have lived in both extremes. We have had plenty. More than we could want. Spending money frivolously on dinners out. We’ve also have had very little. Going to the grocery with $20 for the week to feed a family of five and one on the way. We are constantly on this path in learning to be content in all situations. And if I can be an open door with you, I’ve found it to be much more satisfying to be in need. I’m reminded daily that the Lord is my portion. It is not by my own hands that we are surviving day by day. But by His beautiful grace.
So do I pray for financial stability and help? Absolutely. I would be a fool to expect the Lord to provide without our asking. I love Him and want Him to know how thankful we are for his every day graces. Just as I want my children to come to me when they need something. It weighs down my heart when I see them struggling to do something on their own when I would have joyfully been there to help.
As we’ve gone through tough seasons we’ve been discouraged at not being able to let our children do all the things little ones do. Like sports or ballet or music lessons. Yet they don’t care! Seriously! The things they enjoy the most ,and I imagine create the best memories, are the things we do together as a family that cost nothing. So I want to share with you a few ideas that you can institute when you’re looking for some free family fun.
1. Paint the driveway.
We fill a bucket up with water and hand the kids clean paintbrushes and they get to work ‘painting’ the driveway and sidewalks. It’s especially fun when it’s hot enough for the water to dry quickly. They are busy little bodies then!
2. Play soccer.
No offense to any soccer lovers out there but I am not a fan. However, our children love playing soccer in our backyard. And my husband loves anything sports related so he happily plays them. {In fact, as I write this they’re playing a game. They’re getting uncomfortably close to knocking that soccer ball into my camera}
3. Bake cookies.
Little ones love to cut cookies out. Dig out all your cookie cutters. Let them cut out candy cane shapes in July! Don’t forget to add sprinkles! And don’t get all OCD on them. Let them make a mess. It really does not take that long to clean up cookie dough if it means building up their self esteem.
4. Read.
Take a trip to the library or to your bookshelf. Maybe even pick a book that has been made into a movie so once you’re finished you can celebrate by watching the movie together at home.
This will become a series later with more free family fun ideas in the future.
Blessings!
