Mindless spending: thoughts as I anticipate the start of the live below the line challenge.

It was a thoughtful walk home from Tesco for me this evening.  I had just completed my shop for the coming week, where my decision to do the 'Live below the Line Challenge' from the 9th to the 15th July will take effect.  Seven days eating on a total budget of £7 lie ahead in an effort to open my eyes a little to the reality of 1 in 6 people worldwide who live below the poverty line on less than £1 a day.  As well as looking to learn from the experience I will  be receiving sponsorship to raise money for our tip to do missions in Romania next month.  The challenge seems appropriate as a preparation for part of what we will be doing out there; a two night 'Bush Camp' designed to simulate living in poverty.  This will include what we eat and where we sleep down to the fact we will be going shower and cosmetic free!

So I have bought my groceries, faced the embarrassment of having to pay then put a few items back on the shelf because they were over my budget, and this is what I could afford;

I am very excited that bacon was £1, and feeling confident that I will be able to make it.  But note that there is no coffee or tea bags on that list so if you know me at all you might be praying for those who will have to spend time with me over the next week!

On a more serious note though, it did shock me that on a second receipt from the same trip you would see that I spent £7.55 on a picnic lunch for David and I tomorrow.  That's MORE than the next weeks budget spent on one simple lunch. What does this say about the value I put on money? Am I being a good steward of what I have in my hand?  As I walked home I thought about what will come of the money I save next week; will it make it into a tithe, or go towards my sponsor kids, to support missions or even simply buy a bunch of flowers to let a friend know they are loved?  More likely it would get lost among other mindless expenditures; new summer clothes, entertainment, expensive shampoo.  I never really considered myself extravagant with spending but I know at times I am mindless.  But can I afford to be mindless when living on £1 a day is the reality for some?

(If you are able to sponsor me, it would be most appreciated; money will be going towards the cost of our teams trip to Romania and resources out there such as the children's bible club we will be running. Donations can be made online by following the green button on this page http://www.exodusonline.org.uk/teams/team-10-ex-change-romania-2014/ or I will have a sponsor sheet if you wish to give me the money in person.  Thank you so much!).