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The other day I was reflecting back on my sixty plus years and the many different investments I’ve made. One day When I was in my teens my dad told me that I should always invest in myself. At first I didn’t know what he meant, but then he explained that whenever I did something to improve myself, like getting a trade or education, was an investment into myself. He further explained tht it would yield great returns and dividends. SO off I went to college where I got a degree. Later I attended a trade school and soon I was seeking additional knowledge or expertise in many arenas. I would seek out information, classes, books, and even others who could mentor me and it all paid off.

As time went on I saw the wisdom my dad imparted to me turn into increased income and earning power. Investing then became a strategy for increasing wealth and planning for financial security. Over the years I’ve made investments in real estate, stocks, bonds, and even pork bellies. Like most seasoned investors, I’ve had some real winners and losers, which seems to be the nature of financial investing.

But as I look back over my life I now see that the best investments I’ve ever made, the ones with the greatest payoffs and most satisfying returns, are the investments I’ve made into the lives of others. This type of investing happened when I took the time to help a child read, or learn their multiplication tables, or helped one conquer fear and learn to ride a bike. I now see that I made an investment in another person when I helped a little girl’s self esteem grow because I made her feel like a beautiful princess. I believe it was an investment with great future dividends. This is the type of investing that any one can do, it only requires that you have a heart that is willing to share with another.

After all, this is the lesson Jesus taught when he said, “’I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Mat 25:40 NIV) How can you put a value on helping another discover forgiveness, come to know Jesus, or gain salvation. This is the best investment you will ever make and make no mistake, your dividends will be coming!