Article April 13, 2009 Issue

GOODBYE, DREAM HOME

BY KATHRYN DUNTON

DURING THIS TIME OF ECONOMIC uncertainty, many people are asking themselves, "Can I afford the lifestyle I've been living?" The answer may be, "No," but the good news is that the discrepancy between a preferred lifestyle and the ability to afford it may lead to a search for a deeper understanding of life's meaning.

Several years ago, my husband and I had to face the fact that we could no longer afford to live in our "dream house." When he retired, we discovered that our retirement income couldn't support the expenses. We began praying for guidance. I regularly asked God in my prayer, "Do we need to do something now?" And each time I asked, I got the message, "Focus on the work you're doing now."

One day as I drove into the driveway with a carload of groceries, what I recognized as an angel message came to me: "It's time to sell the house." I'd heard this kind of message many times before, so I knew that it was God who was directing me. I didn't doubt or argue with the message.