The Blessings of Deprivation

When I was very young, I had numerous allergies. My mother said that I was congested all the time, so my parents did the only thing they could think of: they took away anything that made the allergies worse. Basically, my bedroom was a crib, wood floors, and a dresser. Anything that could possibly carry dust was removed, as were soft things filled with stuffing. No stuffed animals. No soft blankets. No pillow. I had a gate in the doorway to lock me in.



I actually have an early memory of standing at the gate, looking through the bars at the family gathered in the other room. I wanted to be there with everyone else, but I couldn’t because I was “quarantined.” I don’t know how long it lasted. Eventually, my allergies dissipated. All except for dust. As an adult, when I vacuum and clean, I constantly have to blow my nose and sneeze. (So, I can legitimately say that I am allergic to house work!)

When I look back at that little girl behind the gate, I distinctly remember that I hated feeling left out. I hated being a “have not.” Perhaps the fact that I couldn’t have soft things THEN explains why I NOW love my fleece bathrobe, slippers, socks, and blanket NOW. The fuzzier, the better!

Even though I didn’t like it at the time, the things my parents kept away from me were for my own good. I’m pretty sure that’s why God has chosen to keep material things away from me as well. I’ve never had a fancy house, clothes, toys, jewelry, bling, etc. I’m kind of a simple girl, I suppose. God knew that if I had too much of that “stuff” I would be too obsessed with it. I’m not sure why he surrounded me with friends who were well off, though. All through middle and high school I hung out with “rich kids” who lived in Carmichael along the American River. Yikes! talk about being on the other side of the gate.

But you know what? It’s okay. I know that God wants more for me that just a material girl. He wants me to be appreciative, thoughtful, compassionate, and deeply committed to Him. If I were to win the lottery or come into some serious money, I’d go downhill in a millisecond. Money wouldn’t be an allergy; it would be an all-out tornado that would suck me into it’s vortex! God knows that, and I trust Him.

So, today I will say thank you, Lord, for giving me a simple, blessed life filled with You, my family and friends. Those are the “things” that matter most to me. And my fuzzy slippers. As long as I surround myself with these things, I am a happy and content girl.

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:34)