REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional Quiet Time, originally posted on May 25, 2018, is provided by Pastor Ryun.
Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend
“How Much Money Does It Take to Have a Good Time?”
Proverbs 15:17
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.
Are you a young parent? Let me share a tip on how to have meaningful family time—without spending much at all. Not interested? Oh, money’s not the issue? I get it. But surely you’ve learned by now that money can’t buy happiness, and costly family vacations don’t guarantee cherished memories. Let me tell you about a lesson I learned as a young father 25 years ago. Back then, my kids were nine, six, and three, and we were living in Southern California.
Is it possible to feed a family of five with delicious Chinese food while enjoying a scenic view together? We found this small Chinese Wok restaurant near Christy’s (our daughter’s) school, offering one main dish with rice or noodles for just $0.99! After picking her up, we bought four plates and headed to our go-to hangout—the Claremont Village, nestled near the old schools, where quaint gift shops and restaurants line the sidewalks.
After many visits, we had discovered a hidden gem: a built-in cement table tucked in a quiet corner facing the sidewalk. There were benches, a nearby fountain, a trash can, and even a public restroom (which came in handy). We brought our own drinks, chips, and nacho dip. Christy even packed wet wipes. We sat outdoors, ate together, watched people stroll by, admired the Christmas decorations, and soaked in the crisp December air. And the whole outing? Around $5.00. (That included a Starbucks coffee for my wife—just 50 feet away. That little gesture made her day.)
My kids loved it, and so did I—not only because of the fun we had but because it cost us so little. I still remember that day vividly. It was spontaneous, simple, and full of joy. Not every family outing turned out so perfectly, but this one did. That day I truly understood the meaning of: “Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.”
At the heart of that joy was the Lord’s love. Our family’s not perfect—we’ve had our share of bickering and tension—but the love we’ve experienced in Christ has always led us from “a time of war” to “a time for peace.” So before you pour time and money into your next elaborate vacation, work on love—starting with those closest to you. Because when you grow in love, you might just find yourself enjoying your family more while spending less.
Prayer: Dear God, help me to be the father/mother who truly loves my children with affection, prayer, and teaching of God’s Word, instead of trying to buy their love by getting them the latest gadgets. Help me to have discernment so that I will not spoil my kids to their detriment. Lord, I need wisdom, discipline, and courage to be the parent that my kid(s) needs. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 40