Relativism
March 3rd, 2008 | by rocketc |We here in the great state of Wisconsin have been locked in one of the coldest, snowiest winters in years. This is probably the last bad winter we will ever have in Wisconsin – according to Al Gore (sorry, couldn’t resist). Back to our topic, the snow has lasted a long time, in fact, we still have large piles of the white stuff everywhere and the ground is still obscured by almost 12″ everywhere we look. The temperature for most of the last two months has been 15 degrees or less. Our heating bill was $250 each of the last two months.
However, we are starting to see the end of our long dark winter. In fact, when my 5 year old and I walked out onto the porch this morning, the sun was shining brightly and the temperature was all the way up to 34 F. She looked around at all the piles of snow and exclaimed, “Daddy, it’s summer!” Well, it’s not summer, but compared to sub-zero temps and cold, gray skies, it feels like it.
Perspective is important. Sometimes I need to be reminded of how relatively good our finances really are:
- We have a lot of debt . . . but at least we are making the payments.
- We can only afford one car . . . but it is better than no car.
- We owe more than our house is worth . . . but it is a good house.
- Gas is $3 a gallon . . . but at least it isn’t $4 a gallon, yet.
- We can’t afford a nice vacation . . . but we have health insurance.
- Our emergency fund would only last a month and a half if I was without work . . . but that is a month and a half longer than last year.
- Mrs. Rocket would like some new clothes . . . but she has great health.
- Our retirement fund is only about $4,000 . . . but we won’t need to retire for another 35 to 40 years.
- We need a new dryer and refrigerator . . . but our furnace is in great shape.
I could go on and on. We live in the greatest nation on earth where our poor are rich – even if our family was plunged into bankruptcy, our standard of living would continue to be better than most of the world.
We have financial challenges, but I am thankful for our blessings.
12 Responses to “Relativism”
By Jason Elder on Mar 3, 2008 | Reply
I found your site on google blog search and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. Just added your RSS feed to my feed reader. Look forward to reading more from you.
- Jason.
By Pete on Mar 3, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for your post, it was just what i needed this morning to give me a lift. It really is all relative isn’t it? Even when we’ve got problems, we’ve still got it pretty good in this country don’t we?
By fathersez on Mar 3, 2008 | Reply
I agree with you.
We really do not appreciate what we have enough. We keep bellyaching about what we do not have, whilst many million people would give an arm and a leg to take our place.
By rocketc on Mar 3, 2008 | Reply
Yes, sometimes I catch myself stuggling so hard to “get ahead” that I forget to enjoy “breaking even”.
By Becky@FamilyandFinances on Mar 3, 2008 | Reply
Excellent post! I’m also living in Wisconsin and also just paid $250 on each of the last two utility bills…but, spring is right around the corner! I’m glad I live in a part of the country where we get four distinct seasons. I don’t think I would appreciate summer without frigid winters like the one we’re finishing up
By Mom on Mar 3, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for the reminder to look on the bright side!
By Mike on Mar 10, 2008 | Reply
What a great attitude!
By Joe on Mar 17, 2008 | Reply
Wow. Stellar post. If we could all remember that there would be both a lot less debt and a lot more happiness. Perspective is great and I appreciate a little more of it than I would have had otherwise.
By kentuckyliz on Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
Great post. Life has taught me gratitude–if you don’t have it, and you’re being a whiner, life will give you something to whine about! LOL
Your post also makes me count one of my blessings–that I live in a Southern subtropical climate. LOL I used to live in the upper midwest…haven’t shoveled snow since 1994.
By kentuckyliz on Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
Having your health is not to be overlooked. I recently finished treatment for my third primary cancer, and the bills totalled $528k+. I’m a half million dollar baby. Having health insurance is also a blessing. I only paid $130 of that $528k+. Never skip health insurance!!!
The trees are blooming, I’m feeling better, I’ll get my boat out of storage soon and start sculling on the lake…life is great!
By rocketc on Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
Kentuckyliz, you are the type of person who sets a good example. You have all the reason to be bitter and negative, yet you chose to look on the bright side. Thanks for the comment!