Thank God for an emergency fund!

On the way to work today, I heard a loud boom and then felt the car sag.  I knew immediately that I had blown a tire and I felt my heart sink.  In the past, this situation would have caused a mix of emotions in my body ranging from anger to worry. I likely would have been bothered all day at school and that worry probably would have interfered with my teaching.  Today though, I was able to remain calm and take care of everything when I had the time and continue with business as normal.  I was able to interact with kids, attend my meetings and not worry about the car.

I did have to take my planning time to get the car to the shop and then walk back to school.  I also  walked to get my car after school in the rain, but that was not a big deal.  When I got to the repair shop, I didn't have to worry about how I was going to pay for the new tire and feel the regret of putting a purchase on our credit card.  Due to having the emergency fund in place, this was not an emergency situation; it was just an unpleasant inconvenience.

I felt great being able to take care of myself and the car without going into debt and without breaking our family's budget.  Having that padding is very important and I am grateful that Anna and I have been working together in our journey to financial peace.  While I didn't enjoy paying over $150 for something I wasn't expecting, it was great to be at peace with a purchase like this.