By Lois Hewitt

Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure. These are words I will never forget. We were so far behind on our house payments that the likelihood of ever getting caught up again was basically zero. I was looking around at the prospect of losing the house my parents transferred to me. I was looking at forfeiting any inheritance for my sisters. I was looking at having no where to live.

This process actually gives the deed to your house back to the bank. You clean it out and leave. That’s what we did. All the impressive trinkets I wasted so much money on either got donated or thrown away. All the things I thought could save us, turned out no one wanted. The house was a shambles for lack of upkeep. It actually got torn down I saw on Google Earth.

Long gone was any savings or retirement. The only money we left with was given to us by friends, family and even a few strangers. When I say it was all gone, I mean all except the few things that fit in our car.

Those weeks we drove around the country trying to find our place and sleeping in the car or a tent, left me incapacitated. I wanted out from under it all but I had no real plan.

Fast forward eight, somewhat long, years and a new life has started. Lessons have been learned about soulless spending and hoarding. Lessons have been learned regarding starting all over again in your 50s. Lessons have been learned about what really matters.

The other night I made root beer floats for Mike and myself. I’m cutting down on sugar but it was a nice treat. Boy did it taste good. My glasses are Mason jars from jam we have eaten. The furniture we sat on belongs to our landlords. We have learned that less is truly more.

A sweet treat tastes better at home served with love and laughter. Being aware of spending feels better than hiding purchases. Going without is not a punishment.

Our old house was way too big. Because of that, and a lot of other things, it was full of strife. Our rented space today is way smaller but it overflows with love.

I used to ruminate about the things I lost. But today I see that I was more lost when I had more stuff. Today I don’t feel a longing for things. I am happy with the things I have. But more importantly my heart is full of gratitude, love and humility.

I could never have dreamed of this new life. I would have feared the happiness and joy that surrounds it. Many times in my life I thought God had not answered my prayers. In reality, He answered them in a new and better way.

Less is truly more in my life today. My heart overflows. No greater gift could I ask for.