We just returned from a lovely, relaxing 8 days in Cancun. Several
times I mentioned to my husband, “Why do they assume that all Americans are
rich?” My husband replied, “Because compared to most of them, we are rich.”
According to American standards, we are NOT rich. Far from
it. We live from payday to payday. We aren’t foolish spenders. We have a budget
and stick to it with very little wiggle room. We do have a nice home – in a
borderline low-income area. We two decent vehicles. We have plenty to eat, nice
enough clothing, and…well, we are blessed. But NOT wealthy! And I am humbled
and grateful to God for meeting our needs.
It frustrates and irritates me when people in other
countries try to milk money out of us for no other reason than they assume we
are rich. The beautiful resort we stayed at – all a generous gift from loving
relatives – tried to sell us a timeshare package. Despite our repeated
statements that we could not afford it, all they did was send in another person
to try to convince us to buy. A statement was even made to us, “But you have
the money to vacation in Cancun!”
Seriously, I was insulted. We would not have been there if it wasn’t
gifted to us. After we sacrificed our two hours of high pressure sales pitches,
we had a fabulous time. The resort staff, food, and accommodations were so much
more than we imagined.
I also have learned to not accept friend requests from
anyone in foreign countries who I don’t already know. I have accepted many
requests in the past, mostly from those claiming to be Christians and involved
in ministry. I’ve had to unfriend them because I got private messages asking
for money for them or their ministry. It was always a guilt-tactic presented as
a Christian, I should help them. I feel I may have limited myself from some
enriching friendships because I just delete all friend requests from other
countries now.
I do have numerous writer friends on Facebook who live in
other countries, but I have made their acquaintance, or know of them and their
work. No wonder people flood our borders. They’re looking for the American
dream of prosperity.
God help us to be grateful for our blessings, to not compare
what we have with others more prosperous, to always be willing to help those
less fortunate than us, and the wisdom to not be taken advantage of by others.
To let our “no” be given in gracious kindness so that those like Estelle at the
resort who was part of the high-pressure-sales-team who leaned over and ask me,
“Are you Catholic?” When I answered, “We’re Christians,” she said, “I see the glow
of love in your eyes.” Then Estelle left us alone, and someone more aggressive
slid into her seat. LOL
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