How many times have I heard this? How many times have I made a commitment to myself that I will not overspend, that I will not committ to the consumer economy, that I will not buy more things? But I do, and we all do, because even where our personal commitment lives on, other continue in the familiarity of our consumer-based world, and we're drawn back in.
I'll start simple. Even as the mood strikes, it is impractical to pack up all my things, donate them and live as John Wesley did with two changes of clothing and little else--and obviously he wasn't the first if any focus is given to saint and prophets, and before them, Jesus, and before him, the Old Testament patriarchs. For one thing, people would say I stunk. For another, it's my senior year. For yet another, no one would let me. (Get where I'm going here?)
Starting with this next week, I'll set aside or dispose of one thing a day. I may throw away a folder of papers I haven't glanced at in years or set aside clothes for Goodwill that no longer fit, nor likely will again, or set aside a gift that I have never used to give to a friend who many not only have use of it but for whom it truly would be a gift.
It's a simplifying process, one thing at a time.
My second response is to a consumer-driven Christmas. It will not win the peace of my Advent this year. $100. That's all I will spend. I have finally come to the realization that I'll be hard-pressed to change others who may buy me gifts but I can change the gifts I give and the time I put into them. I can break out the knitting needles and learn how to knit a scarf without holes. I can break out the rolling pin and make tins of baked goods for the family. I can create something meaningful and long-lasting for the children of the family--or buy them books that last.
This will not be a Christmas that produces a pile of unworn clothes, broken toys and meaningless gifts. The time I put into the season will NOT consist of staring into shop windows and wondering when the hole in my wallet first appeared.
I will be careful with the resources God has given me and generous with their fruits. I will not feel guilty. This will not be another dead resolution.
One thing. One place to start.
Grace & Peace!
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2 comments:
You, my friend, are an inspiration... Too bad, however, that I didn't read this much sooner, before what i now realize was the stupidity of black Friday. However, you know my famill,y and perhapos can see why it seems absolutely necesssary I buy them things, because other things just aren't enough to them. However i much enjoyed buying meaningful gifts, books my dad would really love (when he reads anything given to him), a very useful gift for my mom/ the house (a big cookie sheet, the others we have apparently belonged to my great grandmother!), and gosh i did buy my brother a book, that is a great gift...
I'm actually trapped in feeling greedy if I don't spend as much (I don't have anything at all though, i just blew some of my savings account, money not even mine to begin with) and the horrible feeling of having to face the reality of money when I just want to ignore it completely. I'm like trapped... and my friend, your new dually secret blog has left me feeling very uncomfortable... High five to you for that, seriously... but gosh, now I have something else to think about... And I'm still trying to deal with and figure out that OTHER issue.... gosh, i just want to go space out... However, the book I'm in the midst of is the same one that sparked all you said so hmm.. I want to go run away from my mind. For once, i'd rather be at school....
Maybe I'll napo. Thinking hurts...
and do note that I meant nap... not nap-o. :D
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