$$$

So.

Being at the old people place is very trying to my budget. Having lived debt free for years, I am bothered by paying rent. But it is what it is, and this must be the place for us or God wouldn’t have us here.

Anyway.

I am trying every means possible to cut a few dollars here and there – mostly so I can have some expendable income for things I really want to get. Greedy old lady, aren’t I?

One way I have worked very hard the last few days is to cut our TV/Internet/Phone bills.

Yesterday, I spent a very long time on the internet to set up some things to get a cheaper rate on those services which are a mandatory monopoly at the old people place. It’s hard to work a deal when one really has no choice. But whatever.

I was able to cut a few of the items on the bill which saved a little. I changed my phone service which we have had for over 20 years. I hope this one works as well. And I will miss being confident that the phone store nearby could always solve whatever I faced with my phone. The kids there really know their stuff!

Today’s experience at the place where I combined the three services seemed to be comparable. Al was so kind and patient in getting the final set up for my phone which I started yesterday. Because Ronald’s flip phone which he has had for at least 15 or more years wasn’t compatible with the new company, I took the risk and bought a regular phone. The young man set it up so Ronald can easily do the basics which is all he uses. I have yet to see if Ronald can manage it.

I am so thankful for these young people who understand technology. With their fingers flying, they set up systems that I only vaguely understand and struggle to manipulate. I am so impressed that these workers spend hours a day working with old people who are sometimes (probably most times) a wee bit cranky and demanding. How they can be so wonderfully kind and patient is beyond my understanding. I certainly wouldn’t be. But since I don’t have their technical skills and could never have a job like theirs, that’s one thing I don’t have to worry about.

I am reminded of a few verses. Philippians 2:4 says, ‘Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also for the interest of others.’ I don’t know if the young people I’ve encountered are believers. I hope so. But they truly have acted like it as they dealt with me and my concerns.

Technically, I am not poor, but as the young man gave me his discount on a phone cover for Ronald’s phone, this verse would apply. Proverbs 19:17. ‘Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.’

Matthew 5:16 ESV says, ‘In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’

I certainly have been giving thanks for the opportunity to be helped by Al who displayed the best in sales and service.

But mostly, I am giving thanks to God for His many blessings.

I hope you are as well.

Blessings

Kara Beth