By definition, discretionary income
is the amount of an individual's income available for spending after the essentials (such as food, clothing, and shelter) have been taken care of. Basically, it is the extra $$$’s left to spend as we see fit.
But what is discretionary time? According to Cambridge University Press, it is free time to spend as one pleases.
The world evolves around money – no doubt about it. We seek, and many times find, ways to decrease our essential expenses so we can increase our discretionary $$$ to use for the “fun” things of life i.e. parties, movies, vacations etc. We even find time to “plan” the use of our discretionary income; things that bring immediate gratification!
But do we find ways to increase our discretionary time -- and plan to use it wisely?
From my experience, I would say no. We think in terms of now – quick – instant, and “me.” The use of the discretionary time has no lasting effects – as long as it brings “me” great joy now, I’m happy!
Now I’m not advocating NO fun with discretionary time – what I am advocating is to use it wisely – rightly dividing it between the instant gratification and long-lasting rewards.
I was intrigued by these two “discretionary” elements of life this week. My husband spent his discretionary time WISELY helping our son renovate his newly purchased home. Seven days straight he gave of his time, energy, money and, most of all, his love to help his child.
What did he gain from the experience?
A week’s worth of one-on-one time with his son. Oh yeah, there were many memorable moments – lots of laughs and a few “oops!” moments. But the investment in his sons life was worth trillions of $$$’s. He could have spent his discretionary time on the “me” things, but he chose wisely to use “part” of his discretionary income and time to be with his son.
Just because our children become adults doesn’t mean they don’t need our love and attention – and some one-on-one time.
Discretionary income is hard to come by, but discretionary time is available to all who seek it. God gave us 24 hours in a day and seven days a week, of which five are usually scheduled for WORK. But the other two days, known as the weekend, are discretionary. We choose how to use the time! And when we choose WISELY, we can balance the time between God, our spouse and children and then “me” last.
Discretionary Dollars come and Discretionary Dollars go, but the Discretionary time making memories with our children will last a lifetime!
© Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter, Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
