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JOURNAL
November 2008
A NEW KIND OF HOLIDAY SEASON
I see a lot of bad news on the TV screen and in the city about the bleak economic picture. But I am not necessarily seeing an increase in the numbers of people who are crying, wringing their hands, and blaming the government or God for their fates.
Is it possible that we’re starting to look in the mirror and say “I, too, am the cause of this”? Perhaps CNN got it right when they did their top ten list of villains responsible for the current crisis and, on the tenth night, they named you and me--the American consumer.
I recently finished teaching a class at my church about personal finances, and how our money problems are weaved into our upbringing and our spirituality. Many would say I have no business teaching such a class, but I have been there and I’m still there, scraping my way out of debt. Bad investments, wasteful spending.
Only when we begin to count and make choices do we discover the joy of the quality purchase, the thrill of an extra twenty dollars in our pocket at the end of the week.
We have been caught up in the addictive consumer culture that is America. It is true that capitalism is the fuel that keeps our economy humming, but can’t we spend on the right things? Can’t companies--like the auto makers--adapt to a more responsible stewardship of our resources?
Can’t you and I adapt to a changing world? Maybe spend money on a foreign language class or a subscription to an investment magazine rather than a fancier cell phone?
I am sensing a quieter, humbler people this year, as the holidays approach. Maybe even some gratitude.
We have voted for change in government and, no matter how you voted, who cannot be moved by the sight of lines of people at the voting booth or at a presidential family that looks different, ushering in an era where our ugly racial past perhaps matters less. Is that not a great thing?
Maybe we will step back and realize this year that the true holiday spirit is in helping one another; smelling the food in the kitchen; rocking around the Christmas tree; hugging each other in our place of worship; recognizing that there is a power at work greater than us, a joy that is deeper than the latest shiny toy.
Or maybe, as gas prices fall, we’ll go right back to the bad habits that helped get us into this mess in the first place. I hope not.
Come on, everybody. Let’s go to the mirror, look at ourselves, smile, like what we see and realize it is enough. Life is enough. We don’t need the junk to justify who we are or to buy another’s affection.
Then, go right to your purse or wallet and cut up those credit cards. Before the shopping season begins!
You’ll feel better about yourself, freeing yourself from playing the overspending game.
And that’s the beginning of true, happy holidays!
What's Your Opinion?
KevScoHall@Verizon.net