I’m sure your mind is jumping to finances as you read the title of this blog. And without doubt, our minds are understandably drawn to investments as we consider retirement budgets and how to make the most of the funds we have to see us through this season. In fact, my husband and I are about to take a look at our finances and make some decisions about investments, transfers, stewardship, management. We all spend time on this necessary task and hopefully have the help we need to make wise decisions.
With all that said about finances, you’ll probably be relieved to know we’re not jumping off into the “budget abyss” to take a serious look at our financial investments. I am, however, giving a nod to another topic that will bring out some different thoughts…possibly tied to finances, but not focused on them.
All of this reflection came from a period of frustration as I read the news (I never watch the news…I pick and choose the topics I want to read) on a daily basis. There was way too much negative – no surprise – and I started wondering if the news agencies have any desire to encourage people to improve themselves and their lives, instead of always bringing us discouragement. Wouldn’t it be amazing for the news to help us broaden our mental landscape, show us new ways to enjoy our lives, direct us to amazing new discoveries that stir our imaginations…actually pour something into us that is useful for enhancing our lives? (I admit there are some uplifting stories, but few and far between)
Which drove me to examine my own choices in what I deliver to friends and family and even strangers – my conversations, my stewardship of time on a daily basis, my motivations for choices I make. I began to hear the word “investment” ring in my head as I thought about time with our grandchildren driving them to and from school, discussions around the dinner table, happy hour with Bob, conversations with neighbors, prayer time with friends. Am I investing in people as I should? Am I missing opportunities to pour into our grandchildren, to encourage a discouraged friend, to build faith into those around me, to bring light into darkness? Am I a generous enough person to bless others by investing my time, my talents and even my financial treasures in others? Will someone be better off in their life after spending time with me because I chose to “invest” my time in them vs. just “spending time” with them?
So I challenged myself to consider who I invest in, why I invest in them, and if I am stewarding my opportunities to bless those I come in contact with…even a stranger. When was the last time I had a conversation with a server in a restaurant and asked them about their lives? When was the last time I had a spiritual conversation with a grandchild? When was the last time I gave a friend an uplifting gift for no reason? When was the last time I put your heart on the table and gave it away to someone else for their edification?
When was the last time you reflected on the decades of wisdom God has worked into you so that you can pass on truths that only come from life’s experiences? We have so much to give and so many ways to invest in people and projects – ways to bless those around us now and those who are to come. I’m working on examining my choices and making an effort for my time to count by investing in those I love and car about…as always, it’s a discipline.
Don't Waste Your Retirement 