Saving vs. Spending

Spend the afternoon...you can't take it with you. - Annie Dillard

Spend time with an investment instructor and learn how to maximize gains and minimize losses for a stronger financial portfolio.

Spend time knowing the physical body and learn how to maximize health and minimize illness by honoring the rhythms of consistent nutrition, hydration, movement and sleep.

Spend time working on mental health and understand how to maximize potential and minimize helplessness by "thinking about our thinking," changing negative thought patterns and committing to quiet time.

Spend time pondering the spirit to maximize the appreciation of moments, miracle, and mystery...

and immediately minimize any pride in having "figured out" saving and spending!

As I shakily raise my hand to ask the Giver to clarify the definitions of "Saving" and "Spending,"

I acknowledge that much of my earthly security is associated with the saving and storage of funds and resources.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matt 6:19-21

I realize that my simplified understanding of "maximizing savings and minimizing spending" might just be...worthless.

"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

I see more clearly that the appearance of "wasting time" is actually spending time in a worthwhile investment: "Time spent in prayer is never wasted...and time spent with God is never time spent alone."

I hear - but I stretch - to comprehend how an offering of trust reaps dividends untold. "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test," says the Lord of hosts, "if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." Malachi 3:10

I stand convicted by the instruction of the Giver and Supplier to refrain from holding and hoarding His Gifts and Supplies. "But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." Gal 5:13

I yield to the reminder that any service of value must come from a boundless supply of Strength and have Purpose. Whoever serves, (let them serve) by the strength that God supplies - in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:11

And as if any one of those "saving and spending" lessons were not perplexing enough, there are more.

But be forewarned: "The truth will set you free, but first it will shatter the safe, sweet way you live." - Sue Monk Kidd

The Truth about spending a Life?

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends (John 15:13);

Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it (Matt 16:24);

and

Freely you have received; freely give. (Matt 10:8).

Perhaps the only way to close

is to open

with a question

which will keep us open

to rethinking the concepts of saving vs. spending...

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild, precious life?"

-Mary Oliver

it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10