When I was starting out as an engineer at Hughes Aircraft Co. years ago, I had a great supervisor named Dave who was about 15 years my senior at the time. He was very proficient at his job and a joy to work for. He was sort of quirky too; balding on top, beard & mustache, played the banjo, and had a quick wit. Our offices were inside a vault because our work involved very sensitive information.
If there was a rough spot with Dave, it was that on occasion he would get into a rant about his wife and (only) daughter spending money on music lessons, and money on clothes, and…money, money, money. Dave was bitter, and this ultimately led to a divorce.
Some people, men and women, have a problem with spending more money than they have or should. No doubt about it. But it does take money, serious money, to raise and care for a family these days even if you don’t engage in the excesses.
Long before I even met Linda and we got married, I vowed to myself that I would never let myself get to where Dave ended up. Sure, money is a concern from time to time, especially now with multiple kids in college at the same time, but an occasional fret is far different than the drum-beat of a rant always just under your breath.
The secret is pretty simple; you have to be sold out to your family! It’s a one-time decision that you make, and do not look back. It’s Tom Cruise saying, “I will not leave my wingman.” It’s Admiral Farragut saying, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” It’s Franklin Roosevelt saying, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.”
I’m not talking about being frivolous and buying anything that family members ‘want” whenever they want it, but I am talking about holding on to the material things of this world less tightly. When Linda and I brought each child into this world, I accepted a charge to be there for each child whatever the cost. I had to let go and trust God with my future. As much as I want to buy a new telescope widget or new camera lens for myself, those needs pale compared to providing for my family. And if I cannot tell myself no about the things that I want, how can I expect other family members to tell themselves no in like manner?
Are you prepared to let God take you into union with Himself, and pay no more attention to what you call the great things? Are you prepared to abandon entirely and let go? Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest
I want to be the dad who can truly say, “No matter what the cost, you can count on me.” Be it my time, my energy, my words, and yes my worldly wealth, I want to be found chasing the prize.
