Dear Pam,
With the cost of gas prices getting so high, it's nearly impossible to make ends meet. My family is suffering and the stress is causing
so many migraines and panic attacks that life no longer seems fun. How can I handle the stress that's mounting?
-- Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
The gas crunch is real, and the higher gasoline prices are causing strains on our pocket books. No one is immune to this reality, and
our children may not understand the impact this creates on a family's budget.
The key is to look for creative ways to add a healthy dose of fun to their day. When life presses on every side, adding fun doesn't
sound like the likely choice, does it? But with fun comes the word free, and this means we're free to trust God with our situation.
Philippians 4: 11-12 says, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I
know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every
situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Let's learn the secret of being content by starting in the closet, by grabbing some old clothes.
If you have a camcorder this would be a good time to get it out. Divide your family into teams and grab two boxes. Place a large shirt,
pants, boots, and a hat in each box. Then, have each person run, put on the old clothes, and run to a certain spot where they take the
clothes off. Put the clothes back in the box, and run to the next player, and each person repeats this process at least twice.
Playing this game, helps shed the weight on your shoulders. Plus, it adds fun to your day.
You could also, take a walk in the historical part of your town, or write stories with your kids. Play basketball, football, or soccer.
Paint. Ride bikes. Have a pillow fight. Hold a baking contest. Make milkshakes. Play loud music and dance crazy. Pitch a tent in the
backyard. The ideas are endless.
In 1 Peter 5:8 we're encouraged to be well balanced, temperate, sober, to be vigilant and cautious at all times, for the devil roams
around like a lion roaring, seeking to devour us. Keep watch, the devil loves to steal our joy, and wants to fill our day with despair.
When David was in the desert, he cried out, "O God, you are my God, earnestly I see you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land where this is no water” (Psalm 63:1).
We can praise God when life siphons away our joy, when despair and worry creep in. We can replace despair with praise, and the joy of
the Lord will become our strength. What a great way to show our children, that in the lean times, we still trust God.
Take a walk with David. He sings in the shadow of God's wings. He clings to God, and knows God is upholding him. We can sing this same
song, the one that says God's love is better than life. We can praise the Lord as long as we live, even when the price of fuel climbs.
David has seen God in the sanctuary, and even though he's now in the desert, he says, "I will praise you as long as I live, and in
your name I will lift up my hands” (Psalm 63:4).
You may not go on long drives on Sunday afternoons, but a trip with your kids is priceless. Those memories will last forever, and you
kids will treasure the times you spent with them.
Remember, you're kids are like kites. You'll spend years getting them off the ground. You’ll run with them. They'll crash, and you'll
patch them up and tell them they'll fly again. Finally, they're airborne, and they'll want more string, and you'll release a little of
it. Then some more, and eventually, they'll soar and you'll know your job is done.
Until then, play, love, and encourage your children. Be content. But be ready, because someday when the gasoline prices come back down,
and your kids have their driver's license. Then, it'll be time to let the air out of the tires! Or hide the car keys!
About The Author:
Pam Kumpe writes a weekly inspirational newspaper column for the
Bowie County Life/Texarkana Gazette in East Texas. She
hosts a podcast "Daybreak Devotionals," a series on the women of the Bible. For more about Pam go to
PamKumpe.com or visit her blog, www.pamkumpe.blogspot.com.
* Information provided in this column is for entertainment purposes only.
The information in this column is not meant to be taken as legal, medical, or professional advice. Read legal
disclaimer.
* This column is available for your publication, for a F-E-E.
This column may NOT be reprinted without monetary compensation and written permission from the author.
For reprint rights or comments/questions about this article, please contact the author.
|
