An Unlikely Place To Bloom: The Blessings of Financial Hardship

by Mary Beth Whalen

A few weeks ago I noticed that my pot of summer flowers had become victims of the cold frosts of the coming winter. The stalks of what had once been vibrantly colored blooms now lay shriveled and lifeless. I missed the flowers that had kept me company throughout the summer. When I glanced out my laundry room window, they brightened my day. Though I missed the flowers, I took comfort in the new seeds I knew were lying dormant under the soil to return again next summer.

And then today, after a burst of unseasonably warm temperatures, I noticed one lone flower had popped up unexpectedly. How brilliant its colors stood in stark contrast to the brown dead plants that were its neighbors. How silly this little flower seemed—waving to me as though it were the middle of summer—unaware that it was not its time to bloom. And yet, strangely confident that, despite its surroundings and circumstances, it was meant to bloom for such a time as this. As I pondered where this little flower had come from, I felt my Heavenly Father gently remind me that I am a lot like that flower. I have managed to bloom in the most unlikely of places.

My husband and I have faced shaky finances and debt from the moment we said “I do.” As young, naïve college students, we began our marriage in debt. In the beginning, we knew next to nothing about managing money or budgets, and had to learn the hard way about the ease of solving problems with credit cards. We still shake our heads in disbelief when we think of some of the impetuous and foolish purchases we made on credit. These early habits led to a lot of debt and a lot to learn. Though we have made much headway, we still have a ways to go. Though I would not wish financial hardship on anyone, I have also learned that there are many personal, character-shaping blessings that have resulted from this time in our lives.

Because of our financial problems, we have been forced to make changes in our lifestyle. We think things through, and weigh whether purchases are really necessary. We have learned to be self-disciplined and less impulsive in our spending. We are more intentional in every aspect of our expenditures—from gas to groceries, we think about where every dollar goes. We have made it our mission to make getting out of debt (and changing the habits that got us there) a priority. This desire to be debt-free has resulted in making us better stewards of our money, and just more sensible all the way around. These are lessons that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Lord willing, one day we will be out of debt, and we do not ever want to go backwards once that day arrives!

We have also made changes in our marriage. When we first got married, we never talked about money—except when we were fighting about it! Money was nothing but a source of contention between us. We were both angry about the state of our finances, yet felt powerless to change anything. We have since learned ways to budget our money and discuss finances without fighting. This has helped to strengthen our marriage. We have also learned to communicate about the feelings that led to the anger. My husband and I now talk about issues long before they lead to strife. We have also learned to lay down our own wants and desires and give sacrificially to our children and to each other. I believe this lesson has made us more giving on so many levels, and has changed our hearts for the better.

Finally, I have had to make many changes within my heart. I have learned to weigh what is really necessary and ask myself, “Will this really make you happy?” Usually, the answer is “No.” I have learned that things don’t make me happy. Not only that, I have learned that true joy comes from an internal state rather than external circumstances. Buying things, collecting things and having things doesn’t make me happy. Worshiping God, helping others, delighting in my children and sharing life with my husband brings me joy. God has brought me closer to Him, and shown me more of Himself as I have learned this lesson and depended on Him to provide for us. I am thankful for this lesson, and both my husband and I have been convicted to share it with others as He leads. We have learned to be transparent about our financial history, so that others may benefit. By sharing our story with others, we hope that they also can be changed and blessed. We believe that is what God intended—to bring glory to Him and good out of our circumstances, no matter what they are. It seems that we have learned to not only bloom in unlikely places, but to thrive.

Gifts In A Jar shows you how to make all sorts of cool, yummy gifts that will save you money while endearing you to your friends for life! Gifts In A Jar features ideas to make delightful Gift Baskets like those in the expensive stores -- evrything from the Honeymoon Basket to the Get Well Basket.

Only $5.95! Click here to purchase!