Enough is More Than Enough
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Living in a land of plenty or should I say ‘excess’ presents a challenge for me. Aggressive advertisers tell us our wants or rather their wants for us—a new outfit, a nice car, a theater ticket, a second house, yet another t-shirt, hat, or sweater.
While on vacation in the Canadian Rockies (see my August 28 blog for photos if you missed them) I walked in and out of more souvenir shops than I can count. Granted, I didn’t have to go inside but curiosity got the best of me every time––and it was something to do in the few moments remaining before reboarding the tour bus for our next adventure. I learned a lot from my walk-throughs and observations.
I soon discovered that if I’d seen one, I’d seen them all. The only difference being the stitching on the sweatshirts and the printing on the coffee cups. When in Whistler, so said the shirts and cups. When in Jasper . . . and when in Banff National Park . . . and in Victoria . . . You know what I’m getting at.
Not that there is anything wrong with selling or buying these and myriad other items, but the amount of ‘stuff’ made me think hard about the millions of people on the planet without a shirt to wear or a cup to drink from, let alone one that is neatly monogrammed and for a price that most couldn’t afford ever.
I’m rethinking my priorities this week. Sitting quietly in prayer for a moment or two will calm my anxious heart and set me straight again. A walk and a cup of tea feels about right. A day with my great grandson and his mom will be pure delight. Diving into a cozy mystery sounds like a great way to end my day.
And when I do have to shop–whether for food, or clothes, or gifts, I want to remember what matters most to me–a simple, uncluttered life where my old car still runs perfectly, sweaters and pants from three years ago are still just fine, and enough food for a few days instead of several weeks is all I need.
I can’t solve big problems like world hunger and housing shortages and politics gone awry but I can keep a short account in my own life so I have money and goods and love to share with others who may be less fortunate than I.
I like Paul’s words in Philippians 4:12 … “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
I hope to keep this verse firmly in mind during the week ahead. What do you think?
Karen, Your trip sounds lovely! Thank you for your wise words on contentment. We’re in the process of downsizing, and it feels good to get rid of stuff we’ve accumulated over the past 40 years. I’m pretty sentimental and tend to save things but am learning to let go, throw away (sometimes after taking a picture!), and say a prayer of thanks for the memory. I feel lighter already.
Thanks, Nancy. It is amazing, isn’t it how light we can feel when we unload a few items that we no longer need or want.
Karen, I wholeheartedly agree! Why does it take us so long to get smart?? I crave quiet time. I’m tired of the media telling us what to do, what to think. etc. I’m learning to turn off the noise of the world and just “be”.
Have a happy autumn. Marie
And happy Autumn to you too, Marie. Like you, I crave peace and quiet more than anything I could buy.
Hi Karen. I agree with what you are saying. We’ve downsized quite a bit and there is as sense of freedom in decluttering…
I’m happy you’re finding the same kind of freedom I talked about, Rebecca. Thanks for stopping by.
I’m still trying to figure out the financial survival thing but I am debt free and believe with care and God’s wisdom I will live a contented, simple life that honors Him.
I see you living that God-honoring life already!
I say “AMEN” to everything you said. We certainly do need to get our priorities straight. I imagine all of us have a lot of things that we have bought while on trips and now we don’t know what to do with them!
Thanks, Dear!
Blessings, Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. Now when I travel I’m thinking twice before purchasing souvenirs or gifts and instead, I’m enjoying the experience of visiting a new place and meeting new people.
Amen and Amen to all of yours and others comments. Just BEing, loving ,supporting and being kind are the essentials as we age and are wiser and no need for things other than treats or beautiful reminders of who we are!
Blessings dear friends. Thank you Karen for our warm connection.
Thank you, Kathleen. We are of like mind and I treasure that about our friendship.
Your blog came at just the right time- my husband and I are decluttering our house. My, my we collect too much stuff! Your sign “Keep it Simple” is a principle I need to follow! When we’re on holidays my husband and I do a lot of hiking and birdwatching so I like to relax at the end of the day or week by peeking in the gift shops- I think it appeals to the “inner artist” in me (That’s my excuse) I need to do what you did- just look! I agree too that here in the western world we are constantly being told by advertisers about all the stuff we need! My husband is an outdoorsman and a very practical man- as I look around at the “stuff” in our house I know I am responsible for bringing most of it in….sobering.
Cool to hear that you are decluttering your house. What a great feeling to let go of what you no longer need or want and that maybe someone else can use and enjoy.