As I was listening to my friend Chris McCluskey’s podcast on Worship, Work and Play this week he referenced this old adage:
“If I had but two loaves of bread I would sell one of them and buy White Hyacinths to feed my soul.”
– Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915)
Why does that capture us so? And why does it even make any sense? Surely if you were down to only two loaves of bread the responsible thing to do would be to guard them carefully and ration them out as food for your family.
And yet a life without beauty is not one to be desired or admired in others. We all want beauty, art, aromas, and experiences for reasons other than just getting a bigger paycheck. On May 26-27, 2016 we’re bringing back the event we call Innovate. It’s for you if you have tapped into your creative genius and are ready to share it in ways that will inspire and bring hope, beauty and encouragement to others. You know your art, your writing, your speaking, your comedy, your valuable coaching or your music is the expression of your unique God-given talent.
I love that hyacinths are often associated with spring and rebirth. They are very inexpensive and come back year after year. They really are a great investment for a poor person who has little for splurges but still desires both beauty and a margin.
So what are you doing to bring beauty into your life – even if your bank account is low?
I love your stories Dan of what you and your family did during times that weren’t the best “money” generating ideas…such as the candle lit baths, outings at the parks with the kids, etc. For us, we really try to focus on family things such as playing catch outside, having grilling out picnics in our backyard, playing dodge ball in the pool or lake, etc. Other ways is we take one or two of the kids with us to events or trips. Last week my husband drove with our two teenage sons from MN to Washington, D.C. Many of the things they did out there were free, but are forever ingrained in their memories. Pretty cool stuff.
Jen – ah yes. The simple but memorable things. Our kids don’t seem to remember the fancy electronics or plastic toys we got them but they can tell you about the amazing experiences we created together as a family.