Self-control

Sirach 18:30-33 "Do not follow your base desires,
    but restrain your appetites.
31 If you allow your soul to take pleasure in base desire,
    it will make you the laughingstock of your enemies.
32 Do not revel in great luxury,
    or you may become impoverished by its expense.
33 Do not become a beggar by feasting with borrowed money,
    when you have nothing in your purse.

Reflection: Don't you just love it when Scripture offers straightforward, practical advice. This passage from the Apocrypha is about living within our means. The next verse gives the results of the folly of overstretching our resources: Sirach 19:1, "The one who does this will not become rich; one who despises small things will fail little by little." It is the last bit which intrigues me more; the importance of paying attention to the little things, of paying attention to the details. For many, this is a prayerful act of will. 

Prayer. Lord Jesus, I know I have more than enough. Help me to be content. Help me to notice the small things. May I find myself enriched in my relationship with you. Amen.