As we hear so much about people clearing grocery shelves and taking more than their fair share, Steve and I find that we don’t have to do that. By looking at our shelves and freezer, I realize that we’ve been stocking up for this for years!
We do not need to buy meat. We have an entire shelf in our large upright freezer of frozen chicken breasts, ground beef, and pot roasts. (We’ve finally eaten the frozen fish we had there.)
We have a shelf of desserts—leftovers from having guests plus ice cream.
We have a shelf of frozen fruits and vegetables. We have bought more of these since we eat broccoli more than any other frozen vegetable and Steve uses frozen fruits for his smoothies.
Our pantry is full of canned fruits and vegetables, marinara sauce, rice, and pasta. The shelf in our basement is ridiculously full of cereal, nutrition bars, crackers, cake mixes, peanut butter, and—of all things—spices! Steve has his own stash that he uses when he smokes a brisket or a chicken, and I sometimes forget I’ve replaced some spice and buy another one.
I didn’t have to fight for bathroom tissue; I already had lots on hand. The same goes for paper towels. I’ve always felt there is no excuse for running out of paper products.
As we think about downsizing, I think we should only buy what we need each week. But then I consider how comforting it is at this time to know we could go for weeks without ever getting any groceries and easily survive. Perhaps not eating exactly what we’d prefer, but still staying healthy.
I do wonder why I’m prone to stockpile food and supplies. Perhaps because I am the child of a child of the depression. My parents always had a freezer full of vegetables and beef from the farm and shelves of beans and tomatoes they’d canned. Hmmm…perhaps that’s why I’m always sure to have plenty of canned tomatoes on hand. Steve stocks up on tomato juice just as his mother canned tomato juice to use all year.
We know that God will provide in all situations. I guess one way he provides is by helping us to plan ahead and stockpile more than we need at the time.
He also provides us with parents who set examples of preparedness as well as righteousness.
May everyone find blessings in this time of quarantine!
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
Psalm 145:3-4.
