For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” 1 Timothy 6:10
I never considered myself an entrepreneur but looking back…maybe I am. Fortunately, I was raised by a Momma and Daddy who believed in a strong work ethic. While they weren’t overbearing about it, I grew up knowing that I should get a job and go to work. It must have worked because over all my working years I have always managed to have a job and go to work. I consider that quite a blessing. Looking back, I think my working career really started when I was about ten years old.
In the early sixties, we had an old lawn mower or two that had seen better days but my Daddy, ever the mechanic, managed to keep them running. And then, he was willing to let me borrow the mower and go around the neighborhood offering to mow people’s yards. Today, that is big business but back then…not so much. I would grab the lawn mower, the gas can and start going door to door. My business plan was simple.
I would go to the door, knock, or ring the bell and wait for someone to answer. When they did, I would simply say, “Hello. Would you like your grass mowed for $2.00? Now, most of these yards were a pretty good size so even back then that seemed like a fair price to me…but guess what? That $2.00 then is equal to $27.40 today. What? Ok, I must admit I was surprised to learn that. That might explain why more often than not, the answer to my question was a polite, “No.” You see, it turns out that $2.00 was a sizable investment back in ’64.
But there were plenty of folks that said yes, and there were a few repeat customers. The bottom line is it was enough to give me some spending money and, of course, keep the gas can filled. At the end of the day there was always a trip to Jackson’s Minute Market that was down the street from my house. There I would pull out one of the wadded-up dollar bills and trade part of it for a RC cola or Icee and a honey bun. That would set me back a quarter. The rest of my earnings stayed in my pocket or in a safe place back home just waiting for a trip to Pic-N-Save or some other store.
Speaking of Pic-N-Save, that is one thing I wrestled with—saving. If memory serves me right, I did a whole lot more spending than saving. It seems I remember my Daddy saying something about that money, “burning a hole in my pocket.” Well, he was right. While money didn’t come easy for me in ’64 it sure went easy. Me and my dollars were all about me. I never thought about giving or sharing…only spending.
Well, I am glad to let you know I have learned a little more about money since those days. First, I learned (well, actually I’m still learning) that Jesus was right…it is more blessed to give than to receive. Me and Jesus (and my wife Judy) came to terms a long time ago about giving back a part of what He gives to me. I’m even learning that everything belongs to Him anyway, so it only seems right to give some back. And that isn’t all.
I’m also learning about saving. I’ve always said that I was a spender and not a saver but now I can honestly say that I’m a pretty good saver. In fact, sometimes it is hard for me to let go of those hard-earned dollars. That might explain why I don’t go to the grocery store too often. Judy will send me looking for a can of beans. When I get there, I find out that there are all kinds of beans, and some are cheaper than others. So, it might take me a couple of days to decide which one to buy. Hmmm…how about that?
Another thing that I have learned is that money isn’t good or bad…it is just money…a tool that we can use either wisely or foolishly. One of those verses in the Bible that is often misquoted says that money is the root of all evil. Turns out that isn’t what the Bible says at all. It says that the love of money is the root of all evil. In other words, when we start worshiping money or when greed becomes a monster in our lives…we are in deep weeds, and the answer to all of that is—generosity.
So, it turns out what to do with money is one of those lifelong lessons. I’m grateful the ten-year-old Dewayne was taught to work but I wish he had learned a lot earlier about giving, sharing, and saving. But the good news is that it is never too late to change. One of the greatest joys in life is sharing with others. I think it must be a Jesus thing because He always shared with those around Him. If you need some help, why not ask the One who owns it all…and chooses to share with you. Take it to the bank (pun intended) He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne
Grits with Grace 