In the drive for financial security, debt reduction, and budgets, how much is enough? How hard to I push? When do I stop? I recently spent time with a friend that has decided that he has enough. He works hard. He continues to fight to be fairly compensated. He lives in a paradox. From a material perspective, he has let go.
It shows up in the obvious ways. His car is functional. It is not fancy. It does not stand out on the street. It is bland, boring, and beige. He does not seem to mind; it works. The same approach floods every aspect of his life. He is focused on the spiritual. He is focused on his commitments. He takes these things very seriously. It would seem that everything else is relatively unimportant.
When I think of his approach to life and living, I am reminded of Paul. While this could not always be said, his words echoed during our visit. “I’ve never, as you so well know, had any taste for wealth or fashion. With these bare hands I took care of my own basic needs and those who worked with me.” (Acts 20.33)
I wonder how this would play out in my life. There is the obvious. Then there is the less so. I am not sure how they come together. I do know that simply eliminating the nice things means that I missed the point. As we talked, I could see that his approach was more than just eliminating expensive things in his life. There was a different filter being applied.
I left with a sense it was about priorities. I could see the decision reshaping his life towards a specific focus. His attention was on being intentional. Things that got in the way of this were slowly being eliminated.
As we shared a meal prepared by his hands, I found myself filled with peace and wonder. It was an amazing gift. One I did not expect. I realized it was more than sufficient. His willingness to share left my soul filled.
