Filling your cup until it overflows
is not as good as stopping in time.

Oversharpen your sword
and it will not protect you very long.

You may fill your halls with gold and jewels
but you cannot keep them safe.

Being rich, highly esteemed and proud
will only bring you trouble.

When you have done a good job, rest,
This is the way of Heaven.

Tao Te Ching, from God As Nature Sees God by Rev. John R. Mabry

We, like many people in our neighborhood, are renovating our house. Comparatively, ours is a small renovation, involving some drywall and a little paint. We've toured some of the whole house renovations that have taken place in our area, and I always walk away depressed. I have no idea how these people find the time and money to totally remake a house. I wish I knew their secret!

I dream of one day winning the lottery, then I would have both money and time to fully renovate this old house. My partner and I have all sorts of dreams for this house: expanding the attic suite, adding a porch, redoing the sunroom and the deck, finally making the kitchen a place where we want to cook. The list goes on.

With the right financial planning, budget cutting and dedication, it's a dream that will come true. But, being impatient, I want it now! I want all the money to drop into my lap, right this minute, so I can get busy.

The Tao reminds me of the rewards of moderation and planning. If I had all the money right now, with no work or planning, my cup would overflow. I would be rich, but my troubles would multiply. I would have the money to buy all the nice things I wanted, but I could never guarantee their safety.

Instead, I must do it the hard way, and be sure to learn the lessons along the road. The secret of the others that I envy is that they've done their homework, they've saved the money, they've put in the effort, and they've seen the reward in a beautifully remodeled home.

They have done a good job, and now they are resting. They have found the way of Heaven. I am still seeking it, but their success gives me hope.

Blessings,
Candace