It’s easy to get caught up in tips on the all the money saving tips and trying to DIY absolutely everything, but I never want this mission for a frugal life to turn into misled miserliness. Quite the opposite.
Living frugally, like many other aspects of simple living, is all about creating margin in our lives. It can reduce financial stress and help us be content with what we have. It can allow you to work less and spend more time with family, afford to be a stay at home mom, or travel.
Saving money also has the wonderful effect of leaving you with a little extra to give. And then to grow wealth and someday give big.
Like most of you probably do, we already live on a pretty tight budget to begin with. Yet, as No Spend Month comes to an end, our family recognizes that we are blessed to live in extreme abundance compared to most other residents of this big world.
I’ve been debating whether to share wirh you the full story of why I’m so passionate about this need because I’m pretty sure after you read the next paragraph you’ll think I’m off my rocker. But here goes…
A couple years ago I had a dream. It was one of those crystal clear dreams the likes of which I’ve only had three or four other times in my life. Jesus  was walking down a sandy dessert path towards me and he looked at me and said,“If they don’t have water, how will they be baptized?” (ya, I told ya. Now you’ll forever think of me as the kooky lady who thinks Jesus talks to her in her dreams.)
Was it some twist of my subconsciousness or a true calling from above? I’ll probably never know earth side. But either way it’s true. How could anyone be mentally and emotionally open to hearing the good news of living water if they’re just struggling to survive without a clean source of actual water?
Shortly after I started researching organizations that help bring clean water to those in need and found Living Water International. They bring sanitation infrastructure, hygiene education, and wells to communities in need in partnership with local churches.
I don’t know if my family will ever be one of those traveling to help others far away lands. But I do hope we will always be a family who supports the work of nonprofits and missionaries around the world.
The reality is that our ability to give is limited, and I’m sure yours is too. It’s such a small drop in the bucket compared to the huge need, but if we all give a little bit, I know it will make a difference!
How does frugal living help your family live more simply?
Images used with permission from Living Water InternationalÂ
Yes! We often forget that a goal of “comfort” should be the ability to freely give to to others who don’t have what we do.
I love that you’re doing this. What a great idea. I’ve been to Uganda, and have seen what a lack of clean water can do. It’s very sad.
Congratulations on making the choice to devote a portion of your income to those in need. I will have to check out Living Water!
I think it’s wonderful that you have a cause that you contribute to. Our family contributes to the Salvation Army for the work that they do for people in need in the US.
I love your heart so much, friend! This is awesome!
Thinking about what I have and comparing it to so many others in this world is definitely a harsh reality. I know that often I think about what my family *needs* when in actuality we really have everything that we need. It has been our goal to free up some of our ridiculous spending to reduce our debt and start to send our support to a cause that we believe in. It is lovely to read about your choices.