Living the Dash

When people hear the word investment, they usually think stocks, retirement accounts, or that one cousin who always has some new business idea they swear they will make it big with. But truth be told, we all invest, every single day.

We invest our time, energy, and heart into people, habits, and choices. And just like financial investments, some things pay off beautifully… and others? Well, they’ll leave you broker than a piggy bank after Christmas shopping.

When you invest money, you’re expecting a return; something to show for what you put in. That same principle applies to everything in life. You invest in your health when you cook a decent meal instead of eating Cheetos for dinner (guilty). You invest in your peace when you keep your mouth shut instead of clapping back at that one cousin on Facebook.

The question is: what are you getting in return for what you’re putting out?

Because let me tell you, some people are emotional black holes. You pour, and pour, and pour, and all you get back is exhaustion and maybe a guilt trip wrapped in a text message that starts with, “Well I just thought you’d call…”

The Family and Friends Portfolio

Here’s the hard truth nobody likes to say out loud: relationships require deposits.

If you’re never calling, never showing up, never supporting, never praying, but you still expect the relationship to thrive… that’s like planting a garden and then getting mad at God when the flowers don’t bloom. Honey, you didn’t even water it!

Some folks act like family ties are automatic investments, but if the only time they reach out is when they need something or when it’s a birthday or it’s holiday season, I’m sorry, that’s not family. That’s a subscription service you didn’t sign up for.

And here’s where it gets tricky: you can love them, forgive them, and still stop handing them your peace like it’s on clearance. Boundaries don’t make you un-Christian. They make you a good steward of what God’s given you – your time, your energy, your sanity.

Galatians 6:7 reminds us:

“You reap what you sow.”

If someone’s not sowing love, grace, or effort, then you can’t expect a harvest of closeness and connection. And the same goes both ways – if you want strong friendships, invest in them. Send the text. Pray for them. Be present. Little deposits of love build up over time.

The Eternal Investment

And then there’s the most important investment of all: your relationship with Jesus.

There’s no greater ROI (Return on Investment) than walking with the Lord. Every moment you spend in prayer, every act of obedience, every “yes, Lord” when your flesh wants to say “nah, I’m tired”; that’s a deposit into eternity.

Unlike the stock market, God’s economy never crashes. You’ll never see a “faith recession.” Your investment in Him compounds daily; through peace in storms, strength in weakness, and grace in every valley.

When you give Him your first – your time, your heart, your trust – He multiplies it in ways the world can’t calculate.

Matthew 6:20 shares with us:

“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

You can’t take your 401k to Heaven, but your faith? Your obedience? Your kindness? Those are eternal assets.

So maybe it’s time for a little portfolio review. Look at where your heart’s been investing. If it’s in worry, fear, or people who drain your joy, maybe it’s time to reallocate some “funds”. Because the best investment you’ll ever make isn’t in property, profit, or popularity; it’s in the Savior who gave His all for you.