Daily Power #287

Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. (Eccl. 4:6)

Growing up, I learned that if one is good, two must be better. If one dollar is good, two is better. If one Izod shirt is good, two are better. When I was probably in my midteens, I went to the movies with several buddies. Practicing my theory, I assumed if one roll of candy was good, then two would rock.

So during the show, I sat there and ate two rolls of Spree candies, those little brightly colored, chewy disks. And two was better—until I vomited them up right there on the theater floor. To this day, those friends still tease me about my ultimate “technicolor yawn”!

After growing in my relationship with Christ, I’ve discovered that less is often more. Jesus told us clearly that life does not consist in the abundance of your possessions. That’s why I want less stuff and more friends. Less stuff and more time with family. Less stuff and more experiences to remember and enjoy.

Those who are most blessed are not those who have the most but those who need the least. Your life is too valuable, your calling too great, and your God too good to waste your life on things that don’t matter.

Better is one handful and children you know and love. Better one handful with intimate friends. Better one handful and simple vacation memories. Better one handful and a good marriage. Better one handful and passion for Jesus.

Don’t forget, less is often more.

Power Lift

Instead of always chasing after more, Lord, today help me to focus on quality and not quantity—of my time with you, in my relationships, and with my work.