Commodity: a useful or valuable thing
Last night I was mentioning to a friend how much bicycling I did this summer and the fact that I love it so much. The sunshine. The exercise factor. The wind in my face.
The quiet.
Most of my bike rides are by myself. It is just me and my thoughts. No one is talking to me or talking at me. Having four kid talkers, you have got to know that silence is golden.
There are a few people out and about when I cycle, and I greet them. But, for the most part, it is just me, myself and I. In the wind. With the crickets.
So wonderful.
This whole train of thought continued on (incidentally, on a bike ride this afternoon). What else do I value? What is precious to me? What do I miss the most when it becomes increasingly absent from my life?
Time. I think everyone values time to some degree. Most people are keen to save time. We want to use our time wisely. Because, the thing about time is, that once it is gone-its gone forever. You will never get that moment, that sliver of time back. And, each one of us is only allocated a very finite amount of time in this life. Every day we have less and less time left to us.
My kids. They fill the corners of my life 24/7. They are always around. Tugging, talking, asking, fighting. But, I really don't know what I'd do without them. They are my most precious commodity. They are the primary thing entrusted to my care. To nurture and train and love.
Water. So, this is not a green agenda thing-'cause I am not green. But, I do value water. I value cold water for drinking and hot water for showers. I value the sound of water cascading over rocks and spilling out of fountains and thundering on beaches. I appreciate water in pools and lakes for swimming. And I really value water when I am on a long training run or in a race. Every drop seems necessary to combat dehydration. Water is awesome!
Chocolate. Dark chocolate. Is there any need to say more?
Sunshine. I love the sunshine. I LOVE the SUNSHINE. I wilt in dreary November and February. I lag and drag on gloomy days but perk right up when the sun is shining. There is no such thing as too much sunshine (imho). I soak up the rays and glory in it during the spring, summer and fall, because the winter is so long, grey and gloomy.
Mr. Hippie. I don't think there is a limit on how much time I can spend with him. The more time we have together, the more I want. The conversations. The fun times. The quiet times.
I can live with out a whole lot-I think. I can even live a month without chocolate if need be. But, I crave sunshine, quiet, water, time, Mr. Hippie and my kids (generally). These things are my core commodities. Some are tangible. Some are intangible. They are the things that I put first when I am arranging my schedule. I will arrange and rearrange my days to fit as much of these things in as possible.
These thoughts bring to mind two verses...
...you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver and gold...but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot. (1 Peter 1:18,19)
For the redemption of their soul is precious...(Psalm 49:8)
God's most precious commodity was His Son, Jesus Christ. But, He gave that precious commodity out of sacrificial love for the world. The price you are willing to pay for something drives up it's value. Which makes the value of a soul very high. Very precious indeed.
What is your most precious commodity?
