The Top Ten Things about being Poor...

After my last post - I started seeing the humor in some of all this, so...here for your consideration are the top ten things (I've found) about being poor:
In random order:
1. You can mess with the bill collectors on the phone.
(Not too much of course, but alittle. They technically are not supposed to hang up on you, so you can keep them on the line by asking them some crazy questions: "So - if you were to have a yard sale - would you use bright green or orange poster board to advertise?")

2. No one looks at you to pick up the tab if you occasionally eat out.

3. When you pull into the church parking lot and your old van is smoking, no one even notices it any more.

4. You have the opportunity to respond to ridiculous questions like:
"Have you thought of having a yard sale to clear your debt?" I kid you not - one of my friends in a situation similar to ours was asked that question.

5. When a stranger says she had a HUGE disaster that day (her dog put muddy paw prints on her kitchen floor)...you can smile ever so emphatically and say - Wow - I know what you mean.

6. You get to open lots of extra mail, as the bills pour in....and then the shut off notices, the threatened court cases, etc. You never knew you were so popular!!!

7. Forget getting the jitters about going to the Dentist! You don't have the money - so you don't go! It's simplier that way.

8. On a similar note: no worries about health issues! You don't have the money to go to the doctor - so kind of...ignorance is bliss!

9. Since the grocery budget has been slashed - you can finally indulge in all that "cheap" food that you secretly love.....pasta, ramen noodles, and more pasta. (When you gain 30 lbs. - you have a really good excuse.)

10. This one is serious:
You get to know God in a very personal way! He provides you with comfort customized just for YOU as He displays His miracles to you in every day circumstances. He lovingly sends friends to you, provides for your daily needs (not always wants), and NEVER leaves or forsakes you. This is THE best part of being poor! And for this one - I will always be grateful.