20 Mar Why You Shouldn’t Plan to Work Until you Die
Sheryl is no stranger to hard work. She was a teacher for over 35 years and her husband was a school administrator. They raised twin boys and made sure their children were well-educated. When we first met just 10 years ago, Sheryl was grieving the loss of her beloved husband and the shattered dream that they would live out their retirement years as a couple. We spent a lot of time together during those first few months after we met. I counseled her on how to manage her money, I made sure she was properly insured, and together, we got her estate and all of her financial affairs in order. Then I looked her in the eye and told her one thing: GO GET BUSY LIVING!
Well, she took my advice and then some! She has now travelled around the world to see all 7 continents because she wanted to marvel at God’s creation with her very own eyes. She’s also a docent at our local modern art museum, and she plays mahjong with a group of senior ladies every week who have become her tribe of friends. Sheryl also has the gift of hospitality. She often welcomes her sons, extended family, and friends who have become like family, into her home to be refreshed and to share a meal. Sheryl lives with intention and great purpose.
I counsel people daily on how to best manage their personal finances. We talk about risk versus return, diversification, and other financial planning tools. However, one thing that sets people apart is whether or not they are working to live, or living to work. You may find this surprising but I’m not a proponent of working as hard as possible, as many hours per day, to make as much money as possible. Instead, I prefer the Work Smarter Not Harder mentality.
Friend, this life is not a dress rehearsal. You only get one shot at this amazing gift called life. When it’s all said and done, you won’t think on your deathbed that you wish you had spent more time at the office, rather than quality time with your friends and family. I want to encourage you to spend more time seeing the world rather than seeing the inside of a cubicle.
You may be thinking right about now that this sounds good in theory, but not practical in real life. I want to debunk that myth. You can learn to manage your money in such a way that it works for you. That’s the message and battle cry of Faithful Finance. Sadly, many folks today are living their lives like they are spinning on a hamster wheel. They are just surviving and not thriving. They plan to work until they die, rather than LIVING out the potential they have for a fruitful and peaceful life.
I want to encourage you to reach out to someone you trust to help create a plan for your personal finances. I want you to live as if you know for certain that God has great plans for you, that He wants to provide well for your family, and that He has purpose for your life. Friend, I believe this is how we should all LIVE.
Philippians 1:6
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.