When we empty ourselves of everything, we can then be filled by and with Him. I decided to move to London only two months ago. Things happened faster than I had ever thought possible. I was wanted for the job; it conveniently worked alongside my new-found plans of a Masters at Western University and my family moving to London. Decision made, papers signed, good-byes said. Then I was off.
London. I now find myself living with many luxuries that I have always lived without. Coming from a large family, a personal washroom is a big deal! In spite of having lived away from my childhood home for five years in a residence, I always shared a bathroom with other girls. This is the first luxury. I have never needed more than a single bed to sleep in. If I have ever slept in a double bed it was as a child, and then I shared it with one of my sisters. The room I am in now has two double beds. A second luxury. Which one to sleep in? I suddenly find myself making decisions that are necessary and practical, but a luxury in and of themselves. My own sitting area, fridge, flat-screen television, closet, mirrors, etc. Perhaps these things are every-day pleasures for most of mankind. I consider them luxuries. The hotel is paid for, and so is my food. Nice!
Am I enjoying this lifestyle? Why not. Yes, I'm working 44 hour weeks in a warehouse training centre preparing for store opening in a month. What time I have "to myself" is not always so or is few-and-far-between, but precious nonetheless. Am I thankful for all these details which are practically handed to me on a silver platter? Absolutely. And yet, it would be very easy to take much (if not all) of this for granted. Especially by the end of the two months.
My question: How does one live poverty when life is such as this? How do I get through the eye of the needle when life is made this easy?
I am not an authority on these things, but I think that I am not alone in asking these questions. One does not have to "believe" in order to come to the same conclusions as I have. But it is possible to live poverty when you have so much. With a little thought and effort on one's part, a plan can be developed.
- Is it necessary to sleep in both beds? Choose one and use it the whole stay. That way linens do not need to be washed multiple times and pillows do not need to be plumped daily.
- Make the bed each morning. Yes, there is a housekeeping staff who are paid to do it for you, but one can always leave laziness at the door and foster responsibility and cleanliness with initiative.
- Don't put suitcases or book bags on the beds. This damages the coverlets/comforters and makes more work for the housekeeping staff. Looking after our things (and those that don't belong to us) can also help the environment in the long run - saving on soap and water in the process.
- Hang up clothing and fold laundry. Use a laundry bag rather than the four corners of the room. Put shoes in the closet when finished using them. Perhaps it takes the extra effort, but it promotes selflessness. A small mortification, no doubt, which has greater merit in the long run. Besides, your clothes last longer when treated properly. And the closets were not made merely for decoration.
- Spend half the monetary food allowance. The company has offered to cover all food costs up to a certain sum. A very reasonable sum too, I might add. As a university student, I survived on a little more than half the amount I have been given. I suppose I could go to fancy restaurants every day for breakfast, lunch, and supper, while sipping on extra large coffees each morning. But I could also do groceries and buy food that is just as good, while using plastic forks and paper plates in my hotel room. I discovered that there is a sense of adventure in doing so as well. I don't deny buying my Starbucks coffee each morning - where would I be without it while working 12 hour shifts - but I certainly don't need an extra large. I've discovered that a small or medium will do just fine.
- Spend time with friends. I don't really know people in London, but I have discovered friends among the team I am working with. Wonderful people! I love my alone time, but poverty consists (at times) in sacrificing that most precious time and discovering new horizons with friends. So yes, I went to Cora's for breakfast this morning with one of them. I learned something about myself and my friend in doing so.
- Spend time with your Best Friend. That book on the desk may look very enticing and tempting; however, it will be just as wonderful and enticing (if not more so) after you have spent fifteen or twenty minutes with Him. Besides, that way you have invited Him to read it with you and enjoy the best parts together, discussing them within your soul.
It is not necessary to take advantage of a situation just because you can. Nobody really cares how much or how often I use these things, but I can learn to be grateful and appreciate every gift if I use them well and for His glory. Perhaps this is how the rich and poor alike can be happy with whatever they have been given. Of course, plans look great when written in black ink on white paper. The real poverty comes from doing them. I have so many people to thank for giving me the words to be able to write this plan. And I will have more to thank when I work my way to the end of this journey - where one ends and the next begins.
