Investing Means Keeping

The other day at work, something quite telling happened. I was texting on my iPhone SE when one of my coworkers walked by. He glanced at my phone, which is (*gasp*) over three years old! He said, "What kind of phone is that?!" He then alerted the younger ladies in my department, saying, "Girls, you've gotta get on this!" I explained to them that I refuse to throw out a $400+ investment (for which I paid cash) that still functions beautifully. There's no logic or reason to doing so.

Wasting is especially easy when you can just borrow someone else's money to finance everything. Then, what does it matter if you toss out $400? It's not even yours! By that logic, getting the latest phone each year makes sense when your priority is to stay with the trends. So it's easy to take things for granted, and to treat flippantly what is actually quite expensive or precious.

Let's not forget that overspending will cost someone, even if it isn't you.

I know my coworker was only kidding (sort of...), but what he said sums up a common spirit of our day:

When something (or someone) stops being entertaining and shiny, throw it out. Don't bother to fix or maintain; just replace. It won't cost you much, but you may overlook how much you're hurting others who are paying for your neglect.

It sounds obvious, but it's worth considering whether or not there are places in your life that reflect this mindset. Friendships get difficult, romantic relationships become overwhelming, family stops doing what you need them to do. It's not easy, and I'm not belittling hardship. But relationship goes both ways, and walking with people during tough times matters. This doesn't mean you let people trample you, but it does mean you don't throw people away when you're not sure what to do. The more you toss people aside, the more you will lose your ability to empathize. You will also lose gentleness, without which you'll be unable to benefit those who struggle. People walking in true power are those who can help others move forward in their lives. After all, what is the point of having people in your life who cannot help you, and whom you cannot help? Otherwise, what are your friends and family besides cheap entertainment?

Your life is bigger. Invest your heart into your relationships, and you will see a return. Perhaps you've tried to, and you've been so broken down that you don't have the energy to try again. I've been there. Ask God to heal your heart. Then ask Him to revive you. Soon, you will experience a spiritual refreshment that enables you to see breakthrough with others! God's power in you will bring interpersonal peace and healing, and the words you speak will take you into deeper connection when you refuse to abandon loved ones in their weaknesses.

This new year, this 2020 season, let God's sweet love give you the strength to invest in your relationships again. Remember why you first connected with the people in your life, and be willing to spend time, energy, and strength making it work. Let God be the wind in your sails, and even if it takes time, watch amazing connection break forth like never before!

Happy investing!