Adding or Subtracting #314

Adding or Subtracting #314

A few weeks ago, I heard a phrase on a YouTube Ad that got my attention. This financial guru said, “The value of your stocks is either adding or subtracting to your financial portfolio.” This concept made sense to me in a bigger fashion though and begs the question, “Are you adding or subtracting?”

Think about your life for a moment. As an infant or toddler, someone is constantly adding to your life. Whether it’s changing your diapers, serving you food or drink, or just letting you play. Things are pretty smooth, there’s not a care in the world. As a teenager, there are some subtractions in the short term; however, homework or a job are just minor because you’re learning something or getting paid.

Then between the ages of 18 and 22, you feel invincible because you can heal quicker, handle setbacks easier, and find a way to keep moving forward. For example, you may lose a job, but you find another one. Also at this time, you may be in college or working full time and in either case, you're on the positive side. People in the age group tend to have the mindset of either profit or loss and it sets the tone for most decisions.

The next season happens between the ages of 22 and 35. That’s when you typically get married and start a family. Responsibilities may feel like a subtraction but in reality, you added a spouse and kids and those blessings far outweigh any subtractions. You still find a way to keep pressing or challenge yourself, it’s just a little different because you’ve become more tentative about taking risks as your decisions now affect others.

Then out of nowhere, the 40’s through 60’s happen. At this stage, the kids have left the house and it feels empty. You dreamt about this day years ago but now that it’s here, you’d like to go back to when they were kids. Your grip on physical things also gets stronger and you may even rent a storage unit too. I mean, you never know when you’ll need those items. During this time, the memories of your youth are still fresh, but so are bumps and bruises that now lead you to the doctor’s office.

But don’t fret because there are so many good things being added to your life during this stage too. Grandkids, vacations, and stronger faith just to name a few. People now seek your opinion and are blessed to spend time with you. I also believe that God’s voice gets louder during this stage and His calling strengthens. Deep down you know in your heart that He has more for you to do, but you also know the clock’s ticking. So it’s time to get moving. 

Having the mindset that you’re either adding or subtracting can change your decisions and your daily actions. So regardless of your age or experience, you have an opportunity in front of you to live your best legacy right now. Start by making a positive difference in someone’s life today by what you add to them. Don’t worry, the blessings will be added to you too because the fruit of your legacy is an eternal. 

Visit www.lighthouselegacies.com, and let’s create your legacy before it’s too late. Also, listen to The Legacy for Christian Leaders podcast on your favorite platforms.

PS: If you want a reminder from Scripture of life’s stages, then read John 21:18 and start moving before someone moves you!