Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16-17
“In March 2020, when we were given the recommendation to stay home in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, my life, like many, ground to a quick and sudden halt… The words spoken by John F. Kennedy in his 1962 State of the Union address kept finding ways to become more and relevant in my life.
“The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.”
A global pandemic might feel like an odd time to claim, “the sun is shining.” But I see it as a time in which the sun is illuminating, as a ray of sunshine would, what we find truly important. Our routines and patterns have been interrupted; we have experienced a “great pause”; and we have the chance to look at what we want to continue as we move forward. This is our opportunity to highlight what is truly important to us…
This can only happen if we track our income and expenses. When we track our spending and income, we are able to have an honest conversation with ourselves, our partners, and God about what we say is important. It is a true snapshot of where we are storing our riches, and such a clear view might cause us to shift our goals… We give ourselves options to spend with intentionality, not mindlessness.”
Rev. Kimberly Montenegro in Saving Grace: Hope-Filled Devotions Along the Way to Financial Well-Being (Nashville: Abingdon, 2020) 29-30.
Does your roof need repair? In my experience, every roof needs periodic evaluation. An ounce of proverbial prevention is worth a pound of cure. Leaks can be costly.
Montenegro rightly calls us personally and professionally to track our expenses and what we are storing up in heaven. It’s brilliant advice to not waste the crisis of COVID-19.
Hard to believe this situation started in 2019 and here we are in 2022. While some experts say things may return to normal by the end of this year, that means the sun is shining now.
Take time to track your expenses and make at least one goal personally and professionally to store riches where Jesus instructed us with more intentionality.
Lack of tracking is like having leaks. When we are faithful with what we have God often supplies more. I pray your goals lead to growth in your stewardship and generosity.