Possessions
So I've been thinking a lot lately about possessions and stuff. We've had some really good readings in Ethics class about advertising/consumerism in America, and how wealthy we are here compared to the rest of the world. It's prompted me to take real measures to become less materialistic and more generous. There are the two sides to this thing. On the one hand, I need to deaccumulate stuff, and on the other hand, I need to give those liquidated assets to people in need. Jesus was pretty clear that what we do or do not do for "the least of these", we do or don't do for him. So I'm trying to consider some practical measures. For one, I sold some things at the school's garage sale, and I also plan to sell my CDs once I can get home and put them all in their cases and stuff. But it really doesn't help to simplify your life in terms of possessions if it's just going to go back to the way it was. So I'm going to ask for nothing for Christmas. Not just that I won't ask for anything, but that I'll specifically ask for nothing. God has provided all I need, why should I desire more? There's that verse in the bible that says if we have food and shelter, we should be content with that. But do we really take that verse at all seriously in Western church culture? I want to try it. But I'm sure it will be hard. I don't think a lot of people will understand. (Probably most of you who read this, as well as my family.) Maybe I'll redirect them to this website, and tell them if they want to get me something for me, get something here: http://donate.wvus.org/OA_HTML/xxwvibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=10024. There was also the sticky issue of, "Should I, who has all I need, give more ensnaring gadgets and gifts to people who equally have all they need?" But I think what I'll do there is try to find meaningful gifts that don't really cost money, but instead convey how important these people are to me in a creative way. Still, I'm not very good at being creative on demand.
OK, I think I've rambled enough. Now it's your turn. Please comment.
...
COMMENT!
^_^ (tee-hee)
posted by The Gourd @ 11/15/2004 01:30:00 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
You make a difficult struggle for me.
At Christmas, by me giving you something, it is a way for me to show love. I didn't get something off the checkout aisle at Winn-Dixie, I put thought into finding something that would put a smile on your face. I don't want to just give you a hug. I want to give you something you'll think is cool. So no, I don't understand. You make me feel like a super sinner or something, quite honestly. So I like going to the mall. I like walking around the stores, just looking at stuff.
You're making me feel guilty, you know? Aren't these things I have blessings? Tools for fun? Tools that can be thrown away? It just makes me mad. Obviously you're going to read this, but lets not talk about it now. Honestly I'm not old enough to understand anything, so just talk to me when I mature, ok.
Well Jacob, if you've already gotten me a present, then thank you. I understand. It's OK. If you haven't and still want to get me something, one thing you could get me that I would like is a good set of chopsticks. That's something inexpensive that I would use a lot, because I think chopsticks are really fun.
I'm sorry if I made you feel guilty, but this is how I really feel about all this. Come read those articles some time. They'll open your eyes to a lot of things going on in the world. I think this is something Jesus calls us to and is a huge part of Christianity that we may be missing out on.
you are stronger than i am, kemosabe.
http://www.gearthatgives.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDStore.woa/39/wo/Mz4000Gk500Yw500j2/0.0.25.9.3.1
this also proves interesting.
Post a Comment
<< Home