(written in late 2000)
One day, when Jene’ was in graduate school, she came into the family room where I was following the activity of the stock market. She asked what was happening to the markets. I replied that these were "uncertain times" and the market was feeling that uncertainty.
We have tentative situations in the Middle East which (aside from the obvious concerns of human suffering) are going to continue to play havoc with energy supplies/prices. There are problems with the Eurodollar in continental Europe, a precarious financial situation in Japan (thus all of the Far East), several South American countries with a horrendous debt service load and miserable GNP’s. A large portion of our own market (high tech) is incredibly overpriced compared to its earnings and actual asset base.
Yes, these are uncertain times. As one of my dear friends is so fond of quipping, "It’s later than it has ever been before." I’m reminded of a song that starts with the line "The chimes of time ring out the news, another day is through." Perhaps it’s my age, or perhaps it’s THE age, but time seems to be slipping past too fast for me to hold on to any piece of it long enough for any feeling of significance or security.
It seems I start each day with a longer list of things I didn’t get done on preceding days. And yet, I don’t know how I could possibly pack much more into an eighteen hour day than I usually do.
Now, my dilemma is this. I want to be spiritual and be a good steward at the same time. I know from history that the Roman Empire in the 1st Century was a much worse environment in every category than is our world today. Even so, we don’t find Paul, Peter or John starting any of their letters worried about their portfolios, retirement funds, income/debt/asset ratios or job security.
I guess it’s time for an accounting of these "uncertain times" and an understanding of my unrealistic expectations of how each day is to unfold before me. Perhaps I should start with Jesus saying "These things I have spoken unto you that in Me you may have peace. In this world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16.33
Ahhhhh, if I abide in Him. Now you see, that "…in Me…" pretty much excludes securities, stocks, bonds and other instruments of commerce. I would also guess that it would not include CNN, FoxNews, the UN nor Madeline Albright or a Middle East Peace Initiative. Nope, "…in Me you may have peace." Now I’m not saying these other things aren’t important or don’t have their place. It’s just that my peace will never be found in the efforts or offerings of any person, institution, program or place.
Yes, these are uncertain times, but then I guess they always have been. As another pundit said "Things are more like they are now than they have ever been."
My dad used to worry a lot about retirement. He died when he was 55 years old. That was seventeen years ago and mom is still spending money and living well. I’m sure there was something last year at this time that had me very concerned but I don’t have a clue what it was.
Are you a little low on peace and a bit over the top on awareness of uncertain times? Look, this thing of being grown up is all just a game we play. Don’t take it so seriously. After all, Jesus said, "unless you become as a little child you shall not enter the Kingdom of heaven." Paul said, "The kingdom of heaven is not meat nor drink but righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit." Romans 14.17 So, I would encourage you to view your investments much as Monopoly in this game of life and today enjoy the largesse of friends and family, and maybe a big pizza!
C.S. Lewis once wrote that in the accounting at the end of a day he usually found his sins to consist of sins against charity. I would submit to you that the basis of our "thrift" is usually the preservation and continuance of self. God has promised to "supply all your needs," and has also assured us that "a generous person will be blessed."
So now, get out there and share with someone you love. Don’t be tight, enjoy a moment of largesse today, because if the market gets much worse you may not have it tomorrow!
Thank you God for Peace! Thank you for my family and friends. Thank you for all the blessings I am enjoying in life. Thank you for being in charge! Now, if you don’t mind, Lord, I’ll leave the driving up to you and I’m going to go play in the back of the bus.