Nov Devotional - Smart Investment

At some point in life we may want to think about our investment strategies. Although we never know how long our life on earth will be, we could live 3 or 4 more decades after our retirement from the work force.  With interest rates dropping again, the advantage goes to the young and in-debt. But for those of us who are old and sitting on an underdeveloped nest egg, there is a decided disadvantage!

That being said, I’ve always believed what Jesus said about our future. He felt it was more important to focus on eternal life because the brief time we have here on earth is but a drop in the proverbial bucket.  Better to invest now in the things that will last into the life to come (Matthew 6:19-21).

It’s worth remembering this oft-told true story.  Charles Adams, grandson of John Adams and son of John Quincy Adams, served as a Massachusetts state senator, a US Congressman, and an ambassador to Great Britain under Abraham Lincoln.  He was also very conscientious about keeping a daily journal and encouraged his children to do the same.

Henry Brooks, the fourth of his seven children, followed his advice and began journaling at a young age.  A particular entry written when Brooks was eight has continued to catch our attention.  Following a day spent with his father, he wrote: Went fishing with my father today, the most glorious day of my life.  In fact that day was so glorious, he talked about it for the next thirty years, which is when he thought to compare journal entries with his father.  For that day’s entry, Charles had written: Went fishing with my son - a day wasted.

Now it’s possible that Charles was upset because they came home empty-handed, but he, like us, forgot for a moment the importance of a life invested in the future.  On November 11 we will remember those who invested their lives, some making the ultimate sacrifice, for our futures. The upfront costs of a life devoted to giving to others can be high, but the interest rate, the dividends, the future rewards, are quite literally “out of this world!”