We enjoyed some frugal family fun recently over at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing right here in Fort Worth. We enjoyed a free tour with my 2nd Grader’s Brownie Troop, and learned all about how paper currency is made. I even managed to make it out of the gift shop without spending one dime (much to the dismay of my daughter)… I was so proud of myself! It was really quite fascinating seeing stacks and stacks of literally MILLIONS of dollars ready for distribution.
I took a moment to reflect on all that money that the kids were practically salivating over. Eventually, it will all be spent by someone just like me and you. Over and over again, stuff will be bought with those very bills. I realized right then that we choose where our God-given greenbacks go every day. That we have a choice… do I save it, spend it, or give it? How many bills just like those I wondered, have I squandered on wasteful, unnecessary purchases? It makes my stomach hurt just thinking about it. I overheard the kids in our tour group remark more than once, “I want all that money!” It made me a little sad that they already believe that money will bring them happiness. Our culture wastes no time in teaching our children this falsehood.
On the way home, my growling stomach demanded some convenience food (Sonic is just so tempting). Instead, I went home and enjoyed some leftovers. Two hours of entertainment, total cost= roughly $3 dollars in gas. Lesson learned= Priceless.
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10
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