I’m not sure why, but this quote made me chuckle when I saw it. It does make very good sense – something I have never thought of before…or maybe I have…I must be wiser than I think.
I have been spending my last week working through the book of Ecclesiastes. “Absolute futility. Everything is futile.” How is that for your dose of encouragement today?! It has been very sobering though to contemplate why I (or we as a couple) do the things that we do. What do we hope to gain or better yet, what to we hope to leave? Sometimes we get so caught up in the doing and working that we can overlook the simple things – the joys in life – or we can push aside things that really matter such as the things that will remain or matter in terms of eternity.
Honestly, Steve and I have never been ones that hope to see lots of zeros in our bank account in our old age. But what has been our driving force as to why we do what we do day in and day out? I read today, “wisdom is as good as an inheritance.” Okay then! Bring it! To be known for the godly wisdom we soaked up and shared with others would be far better than any dollar amount in our bank account. Having said that, it has been really cool to see how God has been working in our hearts and lives over the past few years – changing our desires and opening up opportunities we never thought would involve us. He has brought many youth into our lives through different circumstances and allowed us to be part of discipling and mentoring them. What is really neat is the fact that you get to learn right alongside of them. (Because who has ever arrived at knowing it all). Now, I in no way say the above to brag and make you think we are something special. This all ties into the first paragraph. After busy days of work and many long hours running in different directions, it can make it hard to share your ‘small alone time’ with a third person (or a group of teens). Yes, I can be selfish! However, what is the point of doing what we do day in and day out if we are keeping it all to ourselves?
So, last night God gave me a very real and welcoming illustration of just what I have been talking about. I am so grateful for it and it puts everything into perspective. I was able to sit in my livingroom and listen to two voices in my kitchen. There was a young man and an “almost” middle-aged man (I love you Morph) sitting at our table pouring over scripture and having some deep conversation. There was even laughter as the teen picked a new life verse, “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.” It was so neat to witness the “old” imparting wisdom to the young and vise versa. It has given me a new perspective and our house will always welcome those who want to grow in the knowledge of our Lord. Let’s make it count!!
