This morning when my feet had barely hit the floor, my dear husband (who’d been up awhile already), hit me with some of his unending philosophical questions which I was not yet prepared to address. However, as often happens, they become food for thought and later catapulted me to a question I’ve pondered numerous times in the past.
How much is enough? My mom used to say, “The more you eat, the more you want” which seems to be true. But, how about as it pertains to “stuff”? It seems “normal” for people to buy a new and bigger home (or car) every time they get a raise at work. Is that really necessary? The flip side of that is a couple we know who lived in a beautiful 2,600 square foot house on a golf course with a pool. They decided it was time to down-size so they moved into a 1200 square foot condo. Needless to say, this involved some major decisions about what to keep and what to give away. Some time elapsed and then I asked if they missed anything. The answer was definitive: “No.”
I’m not even sure I know what all I have. But, as I read books and look around, it’s clear that all we truly need is something to eat, something to wear and a place to lay our head.
When we think of purging, we certainly are not talking of friends or relationships. Whoever says, “I have too many friends. Somebody’s got to go.”?
This is all about “stuff”. Do I need to keep that book, or can I pass it on? How many shoes, shirts and pants do I actually need and wear?
And, we’ve become so accustomed to technology that we have become its slave. Dave recently got a new phone which was no longer compatible with the Find My Phone app so we downloaded a new app we hoped would work for both of us – especially since I travel and like to know he’s ok. The app drained our batteries and became such a headache that we finally deleted it. Good riddance! Just like the “olden days”, if I need to know he’s ok, I can call him! 🙂
That reminds me of a saying I once heard:
“Be careful what you own lest it own you.”
How’s THAT for true??? Maybe it’s time for a purging party…
“I have learned the secret of being content whatever state I’m in…” (Philippians 4:12)
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
