What's Your Legacy?

I came across a quote that said, "It is possible to own too much.  A man with one watch knows what time it is, a man with two watches is never quite sure."  I love this quote because it really does put things into perspective for me.  I have grown up, sort of, naive about money.  When I was younger (in school), I was very good with the money I would earn.  I'd always tithe my 10%, and try to save as much as possible afterwards.  As I grew, married, had children and began living my career/ministry, I slowly lost sight of the value of money/things.  It didn't happen over night but rather over a lengthy period of time.  I think one of the reasons I lost sight was because I never knew how to balance a checkbook, and I personally never paid a bill.  I never knew what I/we had.  Sad, I know, but true.  It wasn't until about 5 yrs. ago, that I had to begin to learn the elementary side of finances.  I literally had to go back to the beginning and my friend and Dad had to walk me through something so simple, step by step.  I made my first cellphone purchase in my name on my own at the age of 38 and for the first time in my life I started seeing the electric bill, the car note, the mortgage payment, etc...I was so overwhelmed.  I felt so illiterate and ashamed that I couldn't handle these daily tasks that everyone else in the world dealt with on regular basis.  I was starting over at 40 and the future was not looking so bright.  I wasn't sure I was capable of ever learning how to control my own life.  


All I know is, here I am 4 yrs. later and I'm doing it.  It was a daily thing for me, slowly learning what to do, step by step, bit by bit.  It started with learning what was necessary and what wasn't.  I had so  much that is was ridiculous and I kept accumulating more stuff.  I've had to step back, mentally that is, and take a look around me and evaluate what is necessary and what isn't.  You see,  we can possess so much physically that it clutters our minds mentally and distracts us from seeing and knowing what is right.  I've slowly been purging the "unnecessary" around me.  The more I let go of things, the more I notice God is giving me.  I don't mean physically giving me but spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.  I would much rather have clarity mentally & spiritually  in my life than physical possessions.  It is what is saving me, daily!  It really isn't important that you drive a Mercedes or own 5 Rolex watches and live in a million dollar home and have a new wardrobe every season.  Oh, don't get me wrong, if you can do it and not be in debt because of it, then by all means, LIVE IT UP!  But, my point is, don't think it's necessary to have to make others think highly of you.  Trust me, I have nice things and I love those things, but those things don't have me.  I know this because I have been tested to see how I'd respond if I lost those things...God knows My heart!  I think one of the saddest moments for me, in my life, was when people remembered me for what I was wearing and not the positive impact I made in their life.  That's not the legacy I want to leave.  One day, I want those I love and those who know me to look back and say, that Lady wore Christ well.  She exemplified a true Proverbs 31 Woman, because you know what, that's the legacy my Mom is leaving.  I want to share in her legacy.


Live within your means, Clean out the clutter in your life!  Make room for God to give you what you need most, HIM and what is in His hands.  It is worth more than you could ever purchase!