Stuff

If you've known me more than, say...3 seconds, you know that I like to shop. Fine love.

My love of consumerism has been passed down to me from my mother, who also enjoys shopping.

Elijah? Same problem. Loves to acquire. That is the challenge ahead of us right now. For years, I have allowed my boys to acquire... a lot. These boys want for nothing. On holidays, we often have a hard time finding items to buy them, because they are given so much throughout the year.

Then, I go to school and see my students who have holes in their shoes, but can't get new ones until dad gets paid next Friday.

Or talk to a friend (from a place I volunteered at) who has lost a ton of weight...because he has been singing and scrounging for food. At 19.

Soon, enough becomes enough.

How much do they, do I, need? Is it necessary to have 3 telescopes? He hardly uses one. Who cares if the other one is bigger? I've been guilty of letting my boys have what they want, because it makes them happy, and well, I love to shop.

Enough is never enough though, is it? No matter what it is, there is always more, and more to buy and more to acquire.

So? We put a stop on it. The boys have their allowance and can choose how to spend that. We have always had a few charities we support, and we are adding to them. I am big on both local and global, and study each to make sure the money is being used responsibly in the cause I am supporting.

Elijah and I have spent time looking at different charities he is interested in (he is big on clean water in 3rd world countries) and chose ones he would like to support. He has a Compassion child, and will continue to support her as well. (we are open if you know any good charities!)

We are working hard to teach them to touch lives and not just things. Throughout their lives, they will always be able to acquire more. Everyone can. Nobody will ever reach enough though, will they? It is impossible. Each time you reach a new level, there is another. Infinite. I'd rather them learn to reach out and give, to touch, to see the world around them.

Yes, I do shop. And I give. (I'm kind of a sucker for that. Throw me a cause and I'll throw you cash- unless you are a spammer from another country.) Now, I am trying to work that into my children's lives as well. That way? We can pass down love and mercy as well as tractors!