Who owns whom?

This Sunday in church Pastor Corey showed a video from an organization called Simple Living. Following the video we had a lively discussion about giving. Why do we give? How much do we give? In what ways do we give? On perusing the Simple Living site a question from one of the entries popped out at me. "Who owns whom?" This is an excellent question to ask ourselves, particularly at this time of year when we are impelled, encouraged, dare I say coerced into buying more stuff for people that they may or may not need or want. In addition, we get to add to our collection of stuff perhaps leading to a basement, attic or storage room that looks like the picture above.

"Who does own whom anyway? I confess that every year I fill up the back of my station wagon with things that I no longer need, want or use. Why then do I have to do this all over again the next year?

I like the idea of Voluntary Simplicity. In my own way, I've been working toward this for some time but I have a loooooong way to go.

A few weeks ago I happened to see a preview of an upcoming Oprah episode on "The Secret Lives of Hoarders." I have a very dear friend who feels overwhelmed by her possessions and I thought that I might gain new insight and understanding into her
struggles by watching this show.

The entire two part program was about this woman, Sharyn, whose 3,000 square foot house was full of 75 tons of garbage, and enough usable items to fill a 10,000 square foot warehouse!


Unquestionably there is more going on here than a yearly trip to the Goodwill. Still, it really made me think. For many reasons, this year in particular I have felt overwhelmed by the flood of consumerism that washes over us during this time of the year. We have so much and so many people have so little.



Truly, I'm not anti-gift giving. I enjoy both giving and receiving thoughtful and loving gifts. However, I find myself being more pleased with the simplicity of this....



....or the experience of this....


...than I am with this!


Have a blessed season and may you receive exactly what you need!