A few days ago, we purchased a 58-inch television; we set out to buy a grill and came home with both. Typically, we stick to “the list,” but sometimes, the right time presents itself. We had waited three years to purchase a TV. Let’s rewind for a minute and give you more context.
Three years ago, we had a nearly new TV, and upon the excitement of my husband walking in the door, our 3-year-old daughter threw a hairbrush; it hit the TV and instantly broke the screen. My first response was, “We are not purchasing a new TV; we just bought that one.” My husband agreed; we were going to do without one for a while. Within days our neighbor offered us an old 20-inch TV after noticing we had a cracked screen. For the next three years, we used this vintage TV and were utterly content.
Fast forward to the present day; we have waited three years to purchase a new TV. It was never about the money, or maybe at the time, it was. I could always find a better place to put $500-$1000 than a TV, especially since we had a working one.
We learned some great lessons while waiting; we like to share them.
Contentment
If we wait long enough, we become content with what we have, and anything after that becomes a luxury. Over time, the material standards I had placed on myself changed using living practically and making decisions based on what’s suitable for our family, not what others may think. Self-control and patience were also developed, strengthening these characteristics while intentionally waiting.
Awareness of Timing
Waiting on something big or small builds our discernment on timing. Timing is easier to nail if we are paying attention to details. Here are some of the questions we now ask ourselves: what is the tradeoff, will this add value, does it fit our lifestyle, do we need it, is this financially a good decision, are we both in agreement? There are practical questions we can ask ourselves to know the right timing. If it’s not all green lights, we wait, and peace is always our umpire.
Saves Money
We saved money in a few areas while waiting to purchase the TV; the $500-$1000 we didn’t spend three years ago probably made us some money as it was placed in savings for our down payment on our home, and we got a spectacular deal on the TV purchase. Our economy is experiencing inflation, and the cost of gas is 8.6% higher, driving the cost of grocery prices higher. This put the purchase of a TV on the back burner for most, lowering the prices. The trickle effect becomes a win for us, an opportune time to purchase.
Joy
The joy we feel when we wait for something and then receive it is unmatched. Of course, when we chat about material items bringing us joy, it must be kept in context. Purchasing a TV did not bring us joy or happiness, but the waiting time reduced our lust for it to zero. Yes, you can lust over material things, which can quickly govern your emotions.
The power of our happiness remains and can’t be moved if we do not get the item instantaneously. When our emotions aren’t moved around, our happiness becomes a choice; this brings us joy.
Keeps things simple
All things simple is one of my mottos. We live in a time where we want an instant everything, and most times, we can get it. In hindsight, this can complicate things rather than simplify them. What if we waited on that home renovation, new car, or latest gadget? Perhaps we would have saved some money and, better yet, kept our peace. Waiting can simplify, maybe even shortening the list of wants and putting it aside, knowing we will get them or pass on them at the right time.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, waiting is good for us all around. The right time for one person may not be the right time for another. Putting the blinders on and not looking at today’s culture and standards can help us carefully discern timing. In our small choices, we have learned big lessons. The doors seem to open when we are in tune with timing and keeping things simple.
Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash