Nothing says family like limited resources

I pray to the Lord Almighty to combat perhaps the greatest cause of terror in the world: running out of resources. Too often, I hear people mention running out of “this” or not enough of “that.” We don’t have the “blank” for it. That could be money, time, energy, patience, care, votes, room, jobs, and whatever else it could be. Running out of resources is a top concern that we all have experienced.

The sins of our times are motivated by the same fear. The victims of prostitution because they don’t know how else to make money. The victims of pornography because they don’t know how to find intimacy and connection within their social circles. Those who seek abortions for fear of lacking knowledge, ability, time, or money. Those who seek violence for lack of diplomatic solutions. Those who steal for survival. Those who lie for lacking benefits of reality. Those who do drugs for lacking means to enjoy sobriety.

I say nothing says family like limited sources, because it is in the family unit you hear the phrase everyone needs to have for a life of faith: “We will work it out.” That faith that everything will work out counter acts the fear of running out of resources. I’ve gone to family gatherings where we had to sleep on the floor, share pillows and blankets, and made sure everyone got fed. Those are some of the happiest memories of my life. On the other side, I’ve been to retreats and events where everything was provided and nothing was lacking. However, I left with a stale taste in my mouth. The experience lacked an intimacy or connection.

One time, I had a four day weekend when I was at a summer training program. I rallied some strangers who were taking the same class as I was to go on a trip to Mount Rushmore. We debated taking two cars so everyone could be comfortable. We could have managed with one car, but that would require shoulder to shoulder 8 hour car ride which sounded miserable. I 100% agreed it would be miserable and that is the reason I forced everyone into one car. Nothing says family like limited resources. We bonded very effectively on that cramped car ride. The draw back of the two cars was that a division would have already been formed between car A and car B. By taking one car, it was guaranteed that we all spent the equivalent time together.

Somehow, people believe we must have everything planned and accounted for before we can initiate an activity. This creates a reliance on self that is counter to the Christian identity. Of course, you must plan accordingly and be prudent. But we must be people of Faith that God will provide Goodness, Beauty, and Truth into our lives. Ask and we shall receive. For example, Mark 16:1-3 is the beginning of Mary Magdalene, Mary, and Salome finding the tomb empty of Jesus’s body. They asked each other, “Who will roll over the stone?” Imagine if that stopped them from even leaving for the tomb. That fear of not opening the tomb would have prevented them from witnessing the source of our Faith.

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” – Mark 16:1-3

Let us be honest when we are planning outings or activities. Let us embrace inconveniences, little miseries, or limited resources. These are not reasons to abandon a venture. These are all reasons to grow in love for one another. True love can be found in the slums just as much as in a mansion. Love Itself was born in a manger and not in an opulent palace.

Often time, our favorite memories are inspired by when things went wrong. Embrace that faith and trust that it will all work out. When my family gathers and we are sharing the family history, someone is being teased, someone’s mistake is dredged up from the past. But a present joy and love is cultivated. Have faith that there can be great joy whenever you foresee running out of resources.

I pray for those who are starting families or planning for families. People are crunched with inflation and low wages. Yet, they still must provide for their families. Truly, it would be tempting to believe that their lifestyle is not sustainable. But that is a life of fear, anxiety, worry, and stress. Embrace the limited resources as ways to grow as a family. That life indeed is difficult and burdensome, but you are living it with people that you love. I would rather live in a crowded noisy house filled with life and love, then live by myself with all of my bills paid.

I pray we remember our love for the people in our lives in those moments of frustration. The moments when we wanted rest and needed to work. The moments of mercy when we wanted to give justice. The moments of gluttony sacrificed for service. We can believe the purpose of life is to be as happy as we can be as often as we can be for as long as we can be. Or we can believe the purpose of live is to Love God and to Love man. Jesus shows us love requires sacrifice and self-gift.

So, no we will not have enough for the future, but we will have enough for today. (Matthew 6:34) Find your family and share your life with them. Don’t keep your life for just yourself. We are not meant to live alone in comfort. We are meant to live in love and unity.