The Art of Balancing A Checkbook

When I was in the fifth grade, I had my first taste of adult life.  We were learning how to be responsible members of the community.  A fake town was established.  We all had roles to play in this town.  As a functioning member of the community, we each had salaries.  Our money was used to purchase essentials.  However, we were not given paper money.  That would have been too simple.  We were given checkbooks.  The teacher showed us how to write a check as well as how to balance the checkbook.

Writing a check was serious business for me.  I remember the example that she had on the board.  I glanced at it for reference each time that I was ready to write a check to one of my classmates.  I stayed on top of the balance in my bank account.  I knew that I had to work with what I had.  Overdraft was not an option.

Eventually, I got my very own checkbook in real life.  The joy that washed over me when I saw my name printed on my cute checks makes me laugh now.  I would sit and write out my checks for my bills.  I made sure that my checkbook was balanced.  Baby, I was adulting for real.  As time passed and checks became more obsolete, I became less aware of what my bank account contained.  I would keep a running guesstimate in my head.  Which was fine.  Until I over drafted the account.  I guess my running guesstimate finally ran out.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I often forget to make sure that I am balanced.  I speak about living a whole life.  I earnestly desire that for myself.  But I do not do a good job of balancing the checkbook on my life.  I am guilty of committing to tasks that end up depleting me.  It seems fine.  It seems okay.  Until I have an overdraft.  I end up in the negative on my peace and my attitude.  Although checks are quickly becoming a relic of a bygone era, I encourage you to keep an accurate balance on your life.  That will not ever go out of style.  #wepreach