“When you can do whatever you want to do, what you choose to do reveals your heart.”-Keith Moore

I’ve been challenged by that statement lately. I don’t know about you, but I often find myself saying, “If I had more time, If I had more money, if I had more_______, then I’d be able to do everything God wants me to do. Then I’d be able to focus on my dream. Then I’d be able to do ______.”  Have you been there?

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For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. -James 4:14

I was having dinner with a successful business man a few days ago. It was great! I asked him a lot of questions about finance and investing, he gave me a lot of great insight, but one thing he said really made me think.

He said, “You know what’s your most important investment?” “What?” I responded. “Your time. You get 2,080 work hours a week (if you work 8 hours a day/5 days a week/52 weeks a year) to invest. How you invest that time determines everything.”

He said the best question I can continue to ask myself is, “Am I getting the most value I can out of the 2,080 hours I have this year?” That question will determine my success, the amount of money I earn, and how far I go in life.

As a result that conversation, I am going to laminate a card and carry it around in my pocket that says, “What am I doing with my 2,080 hours?” I want to maximize my time, potential, earnings, and my life. The only way to do that is to use the time we’ve been given with wisdom. More specifically the wisdom of God.

I’m going to be seeking God’s wisdom on the best use of my time. I suggest you do the same! He knows what the best use of our time will be!

What are you going to do with your 2,080 hours?

“Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” -Acts 3:6

This Christmas as I handed out Christmas cards, I’d often say, “Silver and gold, I have none, but what I do have is a Christmas card!” At this point in my life, I don’t have all the money I’d like to just go out and bless everyone that has been a blessing to me.

At first I felt guilty and then I got down on myself. Then I thought…I don’t need to be able to give a gift or a gift card to bless someone, I’ll just give what I do have to give: Encouragement, time, my service, a meaningful card, etc.

You might not be able to buy everyone you know gifts this Christmas, but you do have something that you can give. The question you should ask yourself is:

What can I offer people that would be better than just getting them a gift?

Maybe you could:

• Take someone out to coffee and encourage them
• Write letters to the people that have impacted you the most
• Volunteer to help them with a project they need to get done at home
• Offer your expertise to someone who could use it
  
• Call someone and let them know they’ve made a difference in your life
• Send out text messages thanking people for the impact they’ve had
• Introduce people to people that can help them!
  
• Give someone an opportunity they don’t deserve!
• Give up your morning, afternoon, or evening just to spend time with someone.
  

Don’t think that the only way to bless someone this Christmas is through money and gifts. You have more to offer than you realize.

What do you have to give this Christmas?