Growing up with a big brother can be tough – especially when you are a girl. I am 3 ½ years younger than my brother. That means when he was a senior, I was a freshman. To make matters more difficult, he ran around with several of the guys from the football team. Technically, I had LOTS of big brothers (and no dates) when I was a freshman.
It wasn’t all bad. Those guys watched over me and protected me. No matter what the situation might be, I knew it would be okay. They had my back and that was comforting.
This morning while I was reading scripture it struck me that Jesus is my big brother. I had never looked at it like that before, but it’s true. He was the first born (making him the oldest) of many heirs (meaning me). It gave me a warm fuzzy feeling and a new understanding of how he is my advocate. It’s nice to know that one who has such great power has so much concern for my life.
I remember something else about my earthly brother. As the years crept passed and we were no longer forced (because of age and living arrangements) to be around each other, we drifted apart. Although he would still be there if I called, the relationship is not the same – mainly because I haven’t invested in it.
My relationship with Jesus is the same. He will always be there for me, but I may not feel comfortable calling out if I haven’t spent time on the relationship. It is my investment that shows Him how valuable His investment is.
It all comes back to a personal relationship. Without that, you are just strangers.
November 28th, 2007
Sometimes it is tough to wait on something we want. I wanted my husband when I first went out with him, but it took us eight years to work through the mess of our lives before we found our way back together. It was worth the wait.
On the flip side, it can be easier and quicker to manipulate the system to get something now! The house that we live in was small before I got the addition I wanted. It cost us another loan and LOTS and LOTS of headaches, but I got it. It’s not exactly what I envisioned, but it is better that what we had. The thought that haunts me is – what if you had just waited.
Patience is a virtue for a reason. It helps you get to the right place and at the right time. It keeps you from speaking the wrong thing in the wrong way. It protects you from your own stupidity or confusion. Patience is a vital tool to any situation, but particularly to your budget!
My printer has been acting up. With the first sign of trouble, the office supply store began calling out to me. The only thing to do was to go look at the printers and see what I could get for my money. After talking with the salesclerk, I decided to walk away. I needed more time to think and research what was available.
Last night, my printer all but announced its retirement. I went to the website of the store I frequents and low and behold, the printer I wanted was on sale. PLUS, I had just received a rewards check that will cover most of the cost. By having a little patience, I’m going to get my new printer almost for free.
If you want to succeed with your budget then work on your patience. That one little virtue can stretch your dollar all the way to a new and improved printer.
November 28th, 2007
