Live within your Resources

David Bepplar shared some thoughts with me, following our adult ed in September. I think there's some wisdom in what he shares of his personal journey...and some questions for us to consider:

You aptly give us "Some Strategies for Simpler Living:

Learn to say "No."

Live within your means " (Your list continued)

Consider this alternative:

"Live within your resources."

I think that resources broadens out the very concept that you are driving at. We all have resources that God has provided us with. Some are so self-centered that they think these resources are "theirs" - developed by hard work, diligence, perseverance, But I regard all my resources as gifts from God. Yes, I may be the steward. The problem with "means" is that to most of us Americans that relates to money and we we think no further. In this affluent society, living with more money than we need is a challenge. But what about those with very little "means"? We know some who are very Godly and very happy but go to bed hungry every night.

We all have the capacity to serve, to love (be compassionate is a much better way of saying this), to teach, . . . You finish the sentence.

So these are resources - OK - but for most of us they constitute limited resources.

At approximately 80 I find every day that I must learn to live within those limited resources that God has given me.

Not to promise when I can not fulfill.

Not to reach out when I do not follow through.

Not to act compassionately and then walk away.

This might just be the basis for an interesting discussion - for I have taken only a few minutes and barely scratched the surface.

WHAT ARE MY RESOURCES ? WHERE DID THEY COME FROM? AM I THE STEWARD ?

DAVE