Our newspaper was almost three inches thick yesterday. Ads stuffed the interior, with their glossy pages ladened with deals. As I sat — post turkey and slightly comatose — perusing the ads I could feel my attitude shifting.
From gratitude to wanting.
All of a sudden what I did have seemed old. Inadequate. Out-date. Or I simply didn’t have it and now found myself wanting it.
Then I stopped.
Not that shopping or looking at ads is bad. Not at all — in fact I’ll probably be going out later today. It came down to my heart. Here I lamented not having cool gadgets, or a new couch, or some great boots — and there are children around the world eagerly waiting for a shoe box of gifts (my Hannah will be working at Operation Christmas Child today packaging those boxes). Or those without food who await a simple bologna sandwich each day. (see my post on 363days) Because they have nothing. Or at least very little.
Who am I to complain? Where did my heart go when I picked up that tome of ads? When did entitlement creep in?
Then last night I came home to read and comment on the ABC’s of Thanks Link Ups. I simply was blown away reading the lists. The amount of blessings that I overlooked was glaring. And yet, when I read your lists, I was humbled. Reminded. And so so grateful.
Today, on Black Friday, can I encourage you to read some of the ABC’s of Thanks lists or to write your own? You don’t need to link-up — it’s not about pressure — it’s more about keeping the heart centered on the blessings in our lives versus the onslaught of ads pushing things they want us to have. Those items in the ads are good — blessings — shopping is a blessing — it’s just keeping the heart centered and focused and content. It’s the difference between need and want. For me writing down items of thanks and reading lists of gratitude re-centered my heart. I think, my friends, you’ll be blessed.
I am joyfully thankful today.
9 comments
Thanks for doing this link up. There really is so much to be thankful for. I found myself thinking we need all this stuff just because it is on sale this morning. And yes the “entitlement” sneaks in. Thanks for gentling reminding us of what is truly important.
And thank you for your sweet comment on my blog. It brought joy to my heart and a smile to my face 🙂
Blessings,
andrea
Thanks for this link up, I really enjoyed it. We have so much to be thankful for.
God Bless,
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i am totally with you. except i didn’t look through ads… i went out last night at midnight. then i quickly decided that i made the wrong decision and ran from the madness to the comforts of my cozy bed. : ) the consumerism at christmastime is crazy. you are right, there are so many in the world going without… in all reality, there is no earthly thing that i need right now.
i am totally with you. except i didn’t look through ads… i went out last night at midnight. then i quickly decided that i made the wrong decision and ran from the madness to the comforts of my cozy bed. : ) the consumerism at christmastime is crazy. you are right, there are so many in the world going without… in all reality, there is no earthly thing that i need. just give me Jesus!!! (i’m singing the song, now!)
Christ will always satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts 🙂
Great post!
Love,
Lauren
Another blog I read called “Single Dad Laughing” posted a bunch of stories he gathered from Facebook about Black Friday experiences. I was about to join the crowds early Saturday morning to get a special steam mop for my wood floors on sale, but I changed my mind b/c I needed a computer battery more (Christmas present from my mom). Anyway, after reading through the accounts on this other blog, I couldn’t even imagine being among those shoppers. Scary stuff, the way greed jumps in and takes control! There were stories of fist fights, arrests, people forgetting their babies in carts, mowing over people in wheel chairs… just sick sick sick.
I get the whole “let’s get a good deal” thing, but at what cost!?!? Ugh.
I love your blog! So glad you found me. And this article is so right on. My children have hardly asked for anything this year…until the commercials started.
I love how you added there was no pressure to link up to the ABC’s of Thanks…I laughed because my sense of duty/compulsion to follow directions or join/or my sick sense of humor would have had me typing furiously to complete the task-at-hand! 🙂
I loved doing my list. My kids helped out, too.
I’m also doing a Jesse Tree this year- ever heard of it?
I hadn’t…being raised Southern Baptist, we did Advent Wreaths, but not much else.
Ok…ramble, ramble.
Did I say I love your blog?
I do.
🙂