Ten Years of Provision, Part 4 (Durability)

   When your income is squeezed, finding that what you have is lasting much longer than you had expected is just as valuable to you as a windfall of cash.  When Moses reminded the people of their time in the wilderness, one of the blessings he recounts is "Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years" (Deuteronomy 8:4).  Our experience was perhaps not as extreme; of course, it was also much less than forty years.  However, such blessings should not be overlooked.  Here are just a few examples:

• Winter coats, snow pants and backpacks our children wore lasted up to three seasons.
• A vacuum cleaner that someone else put out for garbage day missing a handle and a cord ten years ago was repaired by my husband.  It continues to be our only vacuum.
• Our GMC minivan, purchased in 2002 when it was already five years old, keeps on trucking.  Its odometer passed 200,000 kilometres this past weekend.*
• Several times when my son and I went to the optometrist our prescriptions stayed the same; no new glasses were needed.
• Bed sheets, towels and mattresses did not need to be replaced for many years.
• Our current washing machine, which we purchased used about seven years ago, has required about $10 worth of repairs in the past month but does not need to be replaced.

*Because we walk, bike or use public transit to get to work, this is shockingly low for a vehicle of its age.

Related post: Minivan Not for Sale (also the most-read post on providenceplace)

Would you care to share an example of your own?  Leave a comment.