Priceless

Your dumpster is full. You’ve already run out of batteries. You managed to extricate various toys and accessories from adult-proof packaging. And maybe, just maybe, you paid cash for what may be broken or forgotten within the next few weeks or months. So, what value do you put on presents?

Cashmere sweaters, $258.
Parkas, $418.
Skis, $1598.
Vacation for two, $2936.

The famous MasterCard® commercials put a price tag on most products but recognize that some things—friends, family, memories, being together for the holidays—are priceless.

That doesn’t mean such gifts are without cost. But for those of us lucky enough to have such wonderful things, they are worth whatever we pay.

Unfortunately, not everyone has such blessings and others lose what is most precious when they should be enjoying them most. And too often many of us don’t appreciate what we have while we have it.

Life is shorter than we think and may change or end abruptly. Sudden unexpected tragedy can strike any of us at any time. When that happens regret and remorse sometimes become our companions rather than unwelcome visitors.

Because I know several families who are heartbroken over recent events, I’m mindful more than ever that I should act now. So here’s one of my resolutions for 2007—and the rest of my life: Become familiar with the word no.

I want to say no frequently until it becomes a word I speak on a regular basis, with ease. When people ask me if I can help them, I want to evaluate whether or not someone else could do so or if they should help themselves. I want to carefully and prayerfully consider their requests rather than saying yes in haste because I like being needed. I want to calculate the price I will pay and the cost my family will incur, before I become indebted and indenture them. As with credit cards, it’s too easy to sign your life away only to realize later that what must be sacrificed is of far greater value than what is received, by anyone.

Starting now, I encourage you to think before you speak and realize that saying no to some things means you say yes to others. And if the latter is what you value most, then no matter what the cost, some gifts—love, joy, peace, forgiveness, kindness—become priceless.


Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.