V is for Value

Once again, I am changing my word of the day halfway through the day.  You would’ve been reading about my beloved home, The Commonwealth of Virginia.  I love this place with all my heart.  I grew up in the mountains of southwest Virginia and now live in northern Virginia.  I went to college in the Shenandoah Valley.  This place is special and I urge you to visit if you have never been here.  Enough said.

Today, V is for Value.  I did not mean “Values”.  This is no typo here. 

I have a saying about myself that many have heard me use.  I always claim “I was born cheap and raised poor”.  Granted both of those are hyperbole, to a point.  I am more than willing to spend when I want to and was always raised with plenty.  However, as I am learning more about myself, and lately more about economics, I’m discovering that I actually place a high value on, well, value.

I recently checked out a book on economics from the library.  I figured after being married to an economics finance guy for so long I should know a little about the subject.  It is actually fascinating to me!  I also have been struggling withexcess and the need for comfort.  It is no accident that there is a strong correlation for me.  When this is compounded with my ideals of stewardship, I begin to question many of the decisions I make on a daily basis.

I am learning that value is of utmost importance to me.  Superficially, this can be the value of goods that I purchase – or choose not to purchase.  It goes much deeper.  I want to value, or make valuable, all that is in my life.  The key to this: being intentional.  How am I to become more intentional?  I must pay attention to the details and the big picture.  Mindlessness is the enemy.

To value you, I must give thought to my words, to your replies, and my response in return.  Valuing takes time and focus.  Value is not cheap, nothing worthwhile ever is.

I’ll be returning to this often.  I am reading, and praying, and studying, and thinking about what this all means to me.  One thing I know – it is very important to me.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. 

Phillipians 4:8