does your tree grow?

• 

There are multiple times in my life that I have looked at someone else’s wealth, enamored with envy, and sadness sometimes that I don’t have what they have. It is not because I “want” so that I can “have”, my jealously is that I think, “wow, what I could do for others if I had this or that”. God has gifted me with a spirit of giving. I learned it in action from my Grandma who literally gave everything, including all of her time.

luxury living

Whenever I receive some sort of blessing in my life, I most often want to share it with someone else. I have worked really hard to make sure that my family has financial security and I believe that anything over and above this security is luxury. I know in my heart that any luxury, is to be shared. It says in 1 John 3:17  If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

I used to work in an environment where less fortunate women and their children would often seek shelter from abuse. It was a safe haven of love and compassion. As the years went on I started to notice frontline workers coming into the shelter with name brand clothing, jewelry and cool phones and electronics, this was a real issue for me. These employees had great hearts, but they didn’t always see, these women were often overshadowed by the lure of luxury.

what is success?

It is not productive or positive reinforcement to entice people to try to “change” or “work harder” by influencing them with wealth. This will work for the short term, but once wealth or status has been reached, you are still left with a void no one can fill but God. In my opinion the best way to create positive long lasting change is to share, give and be humble. Working for the ability to build our earthly kingdom is the worlds description of success, not Gods.

not the norm

We pulled our RRSP’s. There is not much in our savings, but it is our stored “treasure”. It served no one, but it was money to collect money. I know that someone someday would use it. Possibly our kids when we die? I turned 40 this year, I would have never guessed I would be pulling money from savings. Most people would say to put double your contributions in!

notice me

Have you ever seen those advertisements like the picture I shared above? The one where it shows the tree “growing” over the pot of money. I looked deeply at this picture and noticed that the tree didn’t grow. It had the same amount of leaves on it, relatively the same size and color. The pot of money grew yet the tree didn’t bear fruit, it only enabled the tree to stand taller. This tree became more noticed.

The analogy to the tree and the human condition is real. People usually build their wealth so they can appear larger, yet they are not growing. The only thing growing is their treasure pot of money. Falling into this cycle is not unusual, as the world tells us to invest in money. And we are to strive for the ultimate goal of retiring with millions in the bank.

inspired

There is a nagging feeling in me that Gods desire for our lives is to bless others. I am not to randomly give away our time and money but to use it to contribute, inspire and shine His love. We are figuring things out on our end and I am excited to see where He leads us. It is important to seek God’s voice daily. To give time to Him to actually hear His plan for your life. He is the most inspiring mentor you will ever meet.

Sign up for your free monthly gift