The Cost of Doing Business

“Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of the ox.” —Proverbs 14:4

The little visitor climbed into the children’s rocker in our living room, munched on a cookie and exclaimed to Carolyn, "Your house is homey!" We hope so. We hope it says "You're welcome here!" 

Carolyn and I have always thought of our home as a tool to be used, not a treasure to be admired and safeguarded. Most of our furniture is old—some pieces belonged to her great–grandmother, like the little rocking chair—but Carolyn is a creative homemaker and her “touch” reflects her love for people. 

But that outlook can be costly: If you fill your house with people they will break your best china, wear out your chairs, leave water marks on your tables and spill coffee on your carpets. We must be be wise stewards, of course, but as the proverb suggests, wear and tear, breakage and clutter are quite often the cost of doing business. 

But not to worry. Only people matter. Everything else is going to burn up some day (2Peter 3:7). 

David Roper

4.14.18