My Father-in-Law gave me a very sound advice as my Wedding Gift. . .(Papa knew about my spendthrift nature). Papa said, "Whenever you wish to acquire something/want to buy anything, ask yourself 3 questions:
- Is that thing really necessary right now?
- Will your work stop without it?
- Is it within your means? In other words, does it suit your budget?
And if the answers are a 'YES' for all 3, then go for it at once, without a second thought.
If you follow this, you will always be happy and at peace, well looked after by the Almighty.
Believe me, but for a few slips, I did abide by these words. Whenever I stumbled on this track, my very practical husband (after all Papa's son) directed me to the right pathway - very lovingly and subtly.
Many years have passed, I am a 'sensible buyer' now, no more a spendthrift (almost) and quite contented with life, with very few desires. Yet, sometimes the yearning becomes too intense - mostly during 'Sale' periods and on seeing 'Buy 2 Get 2 Free' adverts. You see, old habits die hard. But many times, better sense prevails and I come back to the '3 Questions Mantra'.
Recently, there was a very tempting message on my cellphone. It said that if I buy a particular item within 2 days, I would get Rs 500/- off, being a 'First Citizen' card holder of that store. Feeling happy that atleast Rs 500 off would be an attractive part of that shopping spree, I broached the topic on the dining table. Out came a golden sentence from our son, "Ma, intelligent families buy things ONLY when they are actually needed.." In a flash, I could see Papa, rather hear him through this chap, after all the scion of the same stock. I had a quick change of heart, thinking and ideology, and gave up the idea of availing that offer.
I am grateful to the Almighty and thankful to Him - the 'legacy' will surely go on with this generation too, definitely carrying the values on to the next one.
