So we determined to change. We still live frugally, and always shall, partly because both of us were raised that way and wouldn’t know how else to act. But at the same time we are learning to take joy in the physical things that God provides. Corrie bought some dresses. We went ahead with the tearing down of a wall so that she could walk directly from the house to her kitchen. And when our third baby, Paul Denis, arrived—again just one year after the second—we actually went out and bought him some clothes. And I can’t say that he turned out any the worse for having passed his first days in
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'...we are learning to take joy in the physical things that God provides." this is key. We are to be grateful and rejoice in good gifts from God, even when these gifts are material (and even luxuries).
We tend to think we should be grateful for 'spiritual' things but shun 'material' things, this is not the case, we need the material things and should give thanks for God's wondrous provision.
Otherwise we risk becoming scroungers who are generous abroad in charity, but refuse to put our hands in our pockets at home for our own friends and families - what a terrible witness. A generous spirit loves to give not just what is basic and essential, but abundantly to bless, encourage and show love.
