What kind of life do you want? Maybe it's the life you are living or maybe its the retirement your headed for. In our western world we get the privilege of deciding what kind of life we live. Yes, sometimes we work really hard and barely keep our heads above water or we join our neighbors in the rat race of car loans and boats...whatever our situation may be, It will be a direct reflection of our choices and priorities!
I've found myself in both situations before. The times I've spent desperately treading water, gasping for air between paychecks, all were the result of poor planning ( crisis happens; plan for it!), chasing dreams by placing the cart before the horse, or just simply living beyond my means! This usually results in me working too many hours and neglecting relationships! Of course its just temporary until I get caught up!
There have been times where I have made excellent income and owned some really nice things! This usually results in me neglecting really important relationships and working too much!
After contemplating this vicious cycle, I eventually learned that one needs to have a plan, lead a disciplined life, and to not concern oneself with what friends and family are doing... yes I am a slow learner! We always prioritize the things that are important to us with our subconscious decisions. We plan on saving money...but we buy that coffee stand treat. (immediate satisfaction is our concern). Phil. 3:19. We plan on saving money...but we get new aluminum wheels for the truck even though it rolls down the road the same on steel. ( looking or feeling successful is the priority.) We need a new tractor that comes with a payment and no repair manual ( looking the part of the rancher is important!) ....All of these choices show our true desires and slow progress on achieving the "dream". If I keep this up I'll be 55, have no energy, and finally get a chance at it! Just about then my body starts breaking down and how will I survive "forced" retirement? If we know what we want to do or what we ought to do; Why not start now?
The Buck stops here! The recipe for my life follows.
First, I need to identify the dream! (plan) The dream is to farm ( my childhood dream), to be involved in the children's education and adventures, to build relationship, to live a simple and humble life, and to leave a legacy of relationships first and possessions second. I want to farm to the glory of God and teach my children what I believe is important in life. Actions speak louder than words! To sum it up I want to be a good steward of my blessings!
Second, I need to identify my hinderances.
*Debt- A borrower is a servant to the lender. Big bills require big income.
*Irresponsible Spending- The freezer is full and we grow lots of food. I don't need snacks and pseudo-food!
*Poor planning.- Cars break down, tires wear out, oil needs to be changed , animals get sick and babies come. Plan for it! Envelope system?
* Influences- You are who your friends are....birds of a feather stick together. Hang out with poor people...they really are awesome!
One thing that really helps my mindset is to set my thoughts on things above! When I refocus and Get out of the drivers seat and stop setting myself up as the god of my life and Let God direct my paths, Life just seems to flow a little better! Proverbs 3:6 Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not on your own understanding, In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths! Another Proverb states " I will set him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on God!"
How important is it to me to be a good steward? How important is it to me to train up my children in the way they should go?
My Actions speak louder than words! Psalms 37:1-7 - Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
What are your thoughts?
Those hindrances are very true for far too many of us. May God help us to live on less than we make and set our affections on things above where Christ sits on the right hand of God! Good blog.