This year we’ll make many investments.
Every thing we buy, big or small, is an investment from cars to cosmetics and homes to handbags.
But what if we also invested in possibilities, play, adventures, growth and experiences that pay dividends immediately and long term?
There’s a sad story tucked away in scripture that perhaps will better explain what I’m saying.
King Solomon had it all. If he were here today he’d be a regular on the Forbes Richest list.
He had authority, wisdom, beautiful wives and vast amounts of property, employees and wealth.
He confessed that “all that my eyes desired I did not refuse them.” Ecc 2:10
If he wanted it he got it. By the world’s standards, he was living the perfect life.
Solomon thought so as well until he realized too late he was wrong. Turns out “all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I’d exerted, and behold it was all vanity and striving after the wind. . . .” Ecc 2:11 he said.
One day he wakes up an old man realizing that all his stuff will be staying behind when he steps into eternity.
Solomon’s sad story is a wake up call for me as is the entire book of Ecclesiastes.
Stuff will eventually go out of style, break, rot, rust or become obsolete but experiences won’t.
The opportunities we invest in create memories our stuff simply can’t.
Experiences don’t end up in the Goodwill pile or garbage can. Opportunities to grow, have fun, laugh, play, learn, be challenged, educated, cultured encouraged, motivated and moved to action pay dividends long after they’re over.
Go ahead and invest in the exquisite handbag, shimmering lipgloss or beautiful shoes and truly enjoy them. I do.
But this year consider spending your wealth on experiences that create memories, invite laughter (we all need it, that’s for sure), promote growth, are fun and leave you smiling and feeling fulfilled at day’s end.
Whether it’s an afternoon at an art gallery, staycations, long weekends, hosting dinner parties and game nights, trying new restaurants, taking a dancing, pottery or photography class, learning a second language, investing in your spiritual and personal growth – girl, your possibilities to explore and experience are endless!
Solomon’s wake up call came too late realizing “As he came naked from his mother’s womb, so will he return as he came. He will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry with his hand.” Ecc 5:15.
I think James summed it up best when he said “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:14
Tomorrow is not guaranteed. I think the last two years have proven that to us all.
Today is truly the day to begin living, experiencing, creating, enjoying, loving, forgiving, risking, trying, laughing, playing, pursuing and growing.
It’s just a thought.
Sandra Hubbard
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