In a different phase of life, my husband and I bought a pizza franchise and opened a restaurant in the little town of Orange, VA. Our good friend, and pizza mentor, Jerry told us that we should look at “pepperonis as quarters.” An individual pepperoni probably costs a penny or less–I never did the math, but I got the point. Wasting food costs me money, and small wastes add up quickly and take money out of my pocket. Little things matter whether you are trying to make money in your business or trying to live within your means on a tight budget.
In my current job, I am a consultant in a small business development center. I meet with people each week who would like to start businesses. Many of these dreams will be derailed or postponed due to poor credit and/or lack of financial resources to get a business started. Often these people have plenty of income, yet they have failed to live within their means. Some of them have made big financial mistakes, such as buying a house that they cannot afford, but many are in trouble because they have failed to control small expenses. They forget that lunches out and $4 cups of coffee can make a big dent in their budgets.
As a Christian, I am a steward of all that God has entrusted to me. When someone mentions stewardship, money management is probably the first thought that comes to mind. Stewardship, however, encompasses all phases of your life, including how you use your time and how you use your talents. We can relate the “pepperonis as quarters” adage to time and talents, as well as to money. Saving a few moments here and there throughout your day can add up and allow you more time to play a game with your child, read a book for pleasure, relax with your spouse, or start a new project. Honing your talents little by little can help you gain speed and proficiency.
I Corinthians 4:2 tells us, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” I hope that this word will encourage you to look for small ways to be a better steward of your time, talent, and money.
Susan's Reflections 