My parents always provided for my needs no matter how hard it was for them. I’m certain they sacrificed their own needs for mine more often than I realized. Asking for help from others was probably difficult for them, but good parents do what they have to for their children. I received free school lunches and we lived in publicly subsidized housing for a while after my parents divorced. We rarely had new things and went to thrift shops for our clothes. For a brief time while I was in high school, circumstances left my dad and me homeless with only our car and the possessions that would fit inside.  Even so, I never felt hopeless.  I trusted my parents to provide for me because they always made sure I felt safe even in bad situations.

Now that I’m grown, my parents no longer see after my day-to-day needs. I still feel cared for though, because God promises He will provide for all our needs.  He has made good on this promise to me many times.  I thank God every day for providing a roof over my head and pray for those who go without.  My perspective on many things would be different, I believe, if I had not experienced life without. I might take too much for granted.

I have been blessed with material things during this period in my life.  Because I lived without, I know if I lost everything, I would still be all right.  I wouldn’t like it, but I don’t fear it. Everything we have been given is a gift from God, and is meant to be shared with others. Fear of losing things makes people selfish.  Fearful people try to hold on to what they have because they fear there is not enough to go around.  We are told not to fear many times in the Bible.  Trust God in all things and share your blessings.   Don’t be fearful of having less.  Instead, experience the joy of giving from the bounty God has provided you.