You know me, I went searching for the word without and was fascinated to be reminded of the Israelites time in the desert away from their gastronomic favorites from Egypt.  Deuteronomy 29: 5 and 6 says:  I took you through the wilderness for forty years and through all that time the clothes on your backs didn’t wear out, the sandals on your feet didn’t wear out,  and you lived well without bread and wine and beer, proving to you that I am in fact GOD, your God.

This portion of scripture was from my food blog which will end in just a few weeks.  It was thought provoking to consider the Israelites doing without a favorite food for not 40 hours or 40 days but 40 years!  As I was pondering that I thought about this columns new Living Without Credit resolution.   Looking back at these verses, I’m reminded that the Israelites also went without new clothes or new shoes for 40 years!  Wow.

Now I know my closets have too many clothes and shoes.  Yep, I’m guiltily admitting I have a closet for clothes and a closet for shoes.  It’s sad to find things in the closet I’ve never worn that I can certainly live without.  I’m correcting that by putting at least 12 things a week on Ebay until that is greatly thinned out.  I’m seeing what I can live without.  I’m excited to see the results of my first week’s sales which end later tonight.  I’ve also got more things ready to go up and then the next stack will wait until after Christmas.

Living Without also applies to visualizing others in greater need.  My dear daughter reminded me of the times I’ve gone to Goodwill with little funds to fill a need and been thrilled to find exactly the right item.  That thought helps me to look at each item and ask can I live without this.

It came to my attention that a neighbor needs a warm winter coat size large to extra large.  I don’t have one of those but perhaps someone who lives nearby has one they can live without.  If so, please contact me.  I believe this type of action will also be an evidence as in the verses from Deuteronomy of God’s presence and providence.  I love to see His hand at work, and to look back and see what God has done. Living without has never been so fun.