Hi
We are now in what my friend in Jamaica calls ‘the silly season’, where folks tend to be preoccupied with spending. Spent energies, spent bank accounts, spent health and often spent tempers.
Ironically, simultaneously; there’s abundant consumption, some would even say hoarding. Partying, and presents often compete with pleasing self and others as we seek to give of our time and treasures, often with scant regard for the Giver of the gift behind the season. In today’s Holy Nougat, we are invited to reconsider hoarding and consumption – not only during the silly season but for all time.
“In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.” Proverbs 23:5 NLT
To counter this, the Jackson Five encourage us to “Give love on Christmas Day.” And we should. It’s in our spiritual DNA which we are rediscovering. Our message today in the nougat asks us to go a little bit further. Yes, we consider and offer to each other the things which enhance human dignity. But we are also encouraged to reconsider our priorities for that which we hoard can be lost so easily. Whether by fire, flood or foul play we lose our ‘valuables’, and the restoration process isn’t always easy.
For some things, insurance cannot help. Social media helps us document some memories; and that is good. Nevertheless, the direct human connection is the treasure for all time!
So, we make hay while the sun shines; we live laugh and love. We may also revise our concept of wealth, as humans are always the greatest ‘resource’ and source of wealth (in the caring, blessings and encouragement we offer each other). But above all, it may be helpful to recognize that ALL we own is still God’s, on loan to us for a season.
And even those are finite; where God is not. So, we find our treasure in heaven and ensure that others seek to find theirs there by the way we live. It’s a full time wealth accumulation process; so don’t worry if you aren’t always maximized; God’s ready to restore that which we lose along the way.
Blessings grace and One love
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
