Spending My Life

I'm not a person who particularly ever enjoyed shopping, although now that I've lost a significant amount of weight, it's a much more tolerable experience. I've just never been much of a spender. Money doesn't burn a hole in my pocket so to speak. I would say my attitude toward spending is healthy and balanced. Sometimes I spend because I need and other times because I want.  

Today, I actually went out and bought myself a ton of clothes. A very rare occurrence for me. It was more out of necessity than desire. As I mentioned before, I've lost a lot of weight, which has forced me to buy a completely new wardrobe.

After looking at all my purchases, I was content that I filled a need & wouldn't have to stress about what to wear to work. I was more satisfied with solving a problem then having cute news clothes, although I did get some really cute items. I began thinking about how we go through life seeking to spend to get things (a new car, house, clothes, technology, etc) and yet, most of us think little as to how we spend our lives.

Our time, our hearts, our words are often mismanaged. We treat them as if we have an endless supply of fresh days in which to make meaningful choices regarding each.

Words are spoken without thought. Time is spent without purpose. People treat relationships like tissue, using & discarding.

I realized with such clarity that I don't want to waste another minute frivolously spending my life. I only have one life to live and I want to make each moment count. How I spend my life is more important to me, than how I spend money. My time. My heart. My words. They are more valuable than stocks, bonds, gold, diamonds, cash. I want to be mindful of where I invest my most precious commodities. 

I want to forgive quickly & not waste time in anger or bitterness when I can spend it in love & making new and lasting memories.

I want to find a purpose and make a  positive difference in the lives of others.

I want to build up others, encouraging them to be more, see more, do more, love more.

I want to spend my life with those actively enriching my life. In turn, I want to actively enrich theirs. 

I have a friend that expressed concern about the legacy being left to his children. Now I see, nothing is more meaningful than how we choose to spend our lives with them, not on them. Yes, they love video games, clothes, and toys but what they will come to cherish are the memories and how we molded their lives. The same applies to our significant others & friends. 

How we choose to spend our lives and with whom, is an investment. Do so wisely.

But now put these things out of your life: anger, bad temper, doing or saying things to hurt others, and using evil words when you talk. Do not lie to each other... So always do these things: Show mercy to others; be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Do not be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, then forgive him. Forgive each other because the Lord forgave you. Do all these things; but most important, love each other. Love is what holds you all together in perfect unity. Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking...Use all wisdom to teach and strengthen each other.

Colossians 5 ICB