Frugality and Stewardship

These two are related in my mind, so I'm just going to do one post about them. The frugality thing is pretty simple. Make my budget, stick to it, save as much as I can, and don't buy things I don't need. It is really more a matter of self-discipline than anything else. A couple of practical things I can do to help in this area are:

• Making a list of the things I want, and waiting a month to buy them. If I still want them then, its probably ok to buy.
• Using coupons when I grocery shop.
• Taking the bus more, instead of driving everywhere.

The stewardship thing, especially as it relates to my time, is a bit trickier. I've always felt, to a certain extent, that "normal" didn't apply to me in some areas. I don't need a whole lot of sleep. I'm perfectly fine pulling continual 18 hour days. I love to help, and give, and there doesn't seem to be a limit on that outflow. Yes, I have bad days. Yes, sometimes I hate it. But in general, it doesn't seem to be hurting me. I'm torn between what everyone tells me (oh, you need time for yourself. You need more sleep. You need to rest) and what I feel (6 hours of sleep is perfect, less is fine. I like helping people, and while I can, and do, say no, it isn't something I like doing).

I've never been quite sure how all of those verses that talk about peace, and rest, and being still fit into my life. I know that there has to be a balance somewhere, but I'm not sure where it is.

I know people who take the need to rest idea waaaaaay too far. They fall into the selfish/lazy category. I definitely don't want to be there. But I also know people who fall into the complete workaholic category, and that, in and of itself, is also a form of selfishness and laziness. Selfishness, because they are only thinking of themselves, and their work schedules, and the things that they want, and lazy, because they aren't willing to work at changing the thing that they struggle with.

I was on the phone with a friend last night, and as he and I were talking, the subject of materialism came up. We talked about it for probably 30 minutes. As I was thinking through that conversation, I realized something. The older I get, and the more I study, the more convinced I am that we make Christianity far more complex than it has to be. I think, in its essentials, it all comes down to two things.

1. Does this ______ have correct motivation?
2. Does this ______ allow for moderation?

Thats it. Because if we are always focused on being like Christ (our motivation), then everything we do will be passed through the right filter. But, I know for myself, I can take even that the wrong way sometimes, and that is where the second part comes in.

I believe that it is honoring to Christ to have a job, and get good grades, and spend time with Christian friends, and spend time with non-Christian friends, and be on the debate team, and volunteer at church, and be involved with the local homeschool group, and mentor teenage girls, and teach piano lessons, and spend time by myself. I think that in and of themselves, there is nothing wrong with any of those things. The problem, for me, comes in when I start to forget the moderation part.

I think that moderation can look different to every person. Some people are capable of more, some people are capable of less. This is both a blessing and a curse. The diversity of God's People is incredible! But this also means that there is no checklist.

So, in practical terms, where does this leave me? Should I make sure that I get X hours of sleep every night, spend X hours on homework, and be absolutely positive that I'm spending X hours every day just sitting in quiet? No. I think that is getting overly legalistic, impossible to carry out, and most importantly, is missing the heart issue entirely.

I think that I need to be more aware of seeking God, purposefully and intentionally, in this area. I need to learn to give up my own stubborness, and allow God to show me where He will use me, and what my limits are. I also struggle a great deal with guilt when I take "me time," and that probably isn't a healthy reaction either.

I need to be more intentional, deliberate, and consistent about how I use my quiet time. Yes, I read my Bible, yes I journal, yes I pray... But I think that there is so much more possibility out there that I am missing. This one is tied in with the spiritual disciplines that I'm also planning on working on. But for now, stewardship is simply letting go of MY drive to do the things that I think are important so that I can make sure that MY abilities are utilizied in the way that I think is best. And learning to rely completely on God's plan, God's time, and resting in God's peace.

I also think that it is important to have accountability in place. It is VERY easy for me to push myself to the very edge of anything that is decent, reasonable, and healthy. Physically and emotionally. I'm asking, as the people who are nearest to me, that you hold me accountable. Don't let me do things simply because I think that they should be done, and I'm the only one who can do them. But at the same time, don't let me take the easy road out, and say no to the things that God is calling me to say yes to. Let me combine my Mary and my Martha.

If only it were as easy to do as it was to type...