Waste Not, Want Not

Waste is an interesting word for a writing prompt, but it’s the one offered by Kate today. I don’t want to waste an opportunity to attempt to be an encouragement for the Lord, and at the same time I don’t want to be wasteful with words.

‘Waste not, want not’ is an expression I’ve heard all of my life. These were the seriously determined words of the generation who lived through The Great Depression. My great grandmother and my four grandparents were the first recyclers in my life. My mother in law too.

I know why they washed and saved aluminum foil and Cool Whip containers, but I also know that their obsession tended to result in hoarding. These dear people lived through a time in American history when saving scraps was necessary because there was no way to get more. (Lest we judge, remember the toilet paper situation of 2020) However, as my grands lived beyond those times of lack and into a time of plenty, their fear of lack caused them to gather more and hoard more.

Waste not silence, want not the love of His Word.

As I ponder, I realize I have a next generation view of ‘waste not, want not’, which seeks a bit more balance, and not just with stuff like plastic containers. I’m seeking balance as I ponder time, and what it means to waste it. You will likely laugh if you get it. This reflection on time is caused by the fact that I keep getting older, and time is more of a limited resource.

But a waste not, want not mentality could lead to relentless business. It can lead well meaning and good people to fill every second of every day with people, places and stuff to do. I’m beginning to favor the benefits of slowing down and getting quiet in rest. I’m beginning to let a paradigm shift take place so that I don’t feel wasteful by watching the birds in my yard or the ducks in the lake. I’m not wasting my time by riding my bike and watching the various shades of color and light shift on the mountains over time.

Waste not the majesty of Creation, want not pure delight in my Creator.

”In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.“

John 1:1,3 NIV

I have really been pondering the wastefulness of many words without any meaningful message attached. My pondering thoughts have moved me back toward a quiet place of reflecting on silence and the necessity of words that come from God.

What does God want to say?

How can I hear Him with so much noise in my life?

Waste not the Word of God, want not the comfort of His presence.

What does ‘waste not, want not’ mean to you?

What is a commodity you are seeking not to waste?

I love it when you add to the conversation.

Live Love Brightly,

Lisa