In-laws and Finances

            Fun topics! Many a marriage has been negatively affected by spouses having different views on how to handle relationships with in-laws and extended families, as well as finances. I feel very blessed in this regard, yet I know that they are touchy subjects, even between my husband and I at times. When my husband and I were first dating and he came to pick me up it was in a hole in the wall temporary home that we affectionately called “the stinky house”. My dad had just been in a motorcycle accident and we needed to be closer to the hospital while our new house was being built so we took the first one offered us. I knew my husband was a keeper because he didn’t mind our humble home and said that meeting my family sealed the deal that I was the one for him. He liked my family from the start and could tell my parents would be good to be related to. How grateful I am for that!

            Even though he loved my family, there were some differences between us. I was raised in a home that if you really wanted something you should go for it, we only live once after all. My husband was raised moving yearly because they couldn’t keep a job or support themselves. Because of this, my husband is a big saver and doesn’t spend frivolously. I love this about him and have tried to adopt his saving ways. Elder L. Tom Perry said:

“The current cries we hear coming from the great and spacious building tempt us to compete for ownership in the things of this world. We think we need a larger home, with a three-car garage, a recreational vehicle parked next to it. We long for designer clothes, extra TV sets, all with VCRs, the latest model computers, and the newest car. Often these items are purchased with borrowed money, without giving any thought to providing for our future needs. The result of all this instant gratification is overloaded bankruptcy courts and families that are far too preoccupied with their financial burdens"

All that we have is the Lord’s and we will be held accountable for our stewardship over what the Lord has given us. This includes the financial means we have been given as well as our time and our willingness to serve our family members and our brothers and sisters around us.