I live in a city synonymous with bling. From flash cars and the way individuals dress, the indulgences are hard to miss. You see wealth on display in more ways than you thought imaginable. If I am a critic, what I miss is wealth combined with wisdom. The statistics tell a sad story. 28% of the population do not save anything; they live paycheck to paycheck. Another 46% have one to three months of expenses reserved. It is hard to understand how wisdom can be found on a path of sustained indulgence.
Wisdom is one of the most underutilised resources I possess. Life has shared her insights and lessons. I have listened to many. The awareness that has emerged gives me the ability to see beyond my own needs to the communities I am a part of. I carry the keys to the doorway of caring with me, readily available for the moment I have now. At times, I can celebrate my response, which is grounded in compassion and care, given freely, unconditionally, and without reservation to another in the moment. In these moments, I understand the difference in how resources can be used; “Wisdom is better when it’s paired with money, especially if you get both while you’re still living.” (Ecclesiastes 7.11)
Wisdom and wealth are relative. For the price of a cup of coffee that sat on the coaster, I could have enjoyed a worker’s meal and then some. The boundaries of living wisely for some, was an indulgence for me, and small change for others. My lesson revolves around the question of my resources and the needs of others I encounter on my journey. When I effectively leverage what I have in my response to my calling and the larger story, my indulgence turns into an investment in my family. Beyond any measure of wealth, it is a commitment of my time and attention.
Purpose is our greatest indulgence when used with wisdom. Taking precedence over status and material accumulation, when I indulge in purpose, I discover I am holding life’s greatest gifts.
