Spend It Wisely!

     When our children were growing up, my dear husband worked hard to impress on them the importance of saving money for a "rainy day".  We did our best to warn them to put aside funds for the unexpected events like a car breakdown or appliance failure.  We all know what happens if you do not plan out your expenditures.  However, one area we all overlook is how we spend our time.  This is especially true at the holidays.  From Thanksgiving until New Year's can be like a mad dash with little enjoyment in between unless we learn to slow down and spend our moments wisely.
     Don't get me wrong.  I love the gatherings, choir programs, and church services, but it seems we go overboard often resulting in holiday "burnout", sickness and fatigue.  I hear people often say that they cannot wait till the holidays are over so they can reclaim their energy.  In my humble opinion, this is no different than not saving some money for that unexpected expense.  Our reserves are down to the "nubs", and we lose the meaning of Christmas in the midst of the rush.
     Psalm 90 verse 12 tells us:  " So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
Life is short.  We live 70 or 80 years on average and some even longer if God allows.  During this time, we must learn to spend ourselves in such a way as to glorify God.  This is our purpose for being here.  After all, we are human beings not human "doings".  Evaluating our activities in light of the Bible, our family and work commitments is as important as balancing our check book and saving for a rainy day.
     Perhaps, my grip on this concept comes from the lessons I learned when I had polio.  Fatigue is one of the after effects of this disease and in 1996, I was diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome.  One of the doctors told me that each of us has a certain reserve of energy for the day.  We can spend it on what we want to but when we run out, we must take the time to recharge.  If we do not, we will pay the price with pain and more fatigue. Yes, I had to test the theory because I am stubborn.  When I overdo activities physically, it usually takes me several days to get back to normal levels of energy.  Fortunately, many of you have been spared this scenario.  Yet, there is wisdom in learning to pace ourselves with our physical work as well as schedule of activities.
     Think about this.  What good are we when we are exhausted mentally and physically?  We often become "Grinch" like and cynical when our reserves are drained.  This is not glorifying God and enjoying Him forever.  Instead there are some practical steps we can take.
     First, pray about the holiday season before and during this time period.  Seek God's wisdom to know what activities to attend and which to skip.  There is no sanctification gained by being at every event under the sun.  Organizations and churches have more activities than most people could possibly ever attend.  So learn to say "no" without any guilt or shame.  Let the Spirit of God guide you!
     Secondly, remember what this season of the year is all about.  We are taking time to celebrate Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Attend things which will build your faith.  The preaching of the Word, the reading of the Word, the singing of the Word are all helps to building us up.  Make up a calendar that is realistic for you and your family and stick to it!  Remember, accidents happen, illness occurs and other emergencies so we need a cushion to allow for things that are unexpected.
     Finally, take care of yourself by getting adequate sleep and a good diet.  We often take care of ourselves last, but this means we are more vulnerable to colds and exhaustion.  Taking a few minutes here and there to just have quiet moments to read the Bible and pray can do wonders for us.  Don't let your schedule run you!  You must determine and run your schedule!
     Saving money and time for our rainy days are really important to the quality of our walk with Christ.  We honor God and glorify Him best when we use the time He has given us wisely.  During this holiday season, let us learn to be good stewards of our time and energy.  May He grant us all wisdom in doing this!  Selah!