Because of the Stuff

There is so much stuff we throw away, give away, use up, or wear down. We clean up, give away or hand down so much stuff that sometimes it feels like it is a constant process. As soon as we acquire something new, something old was worn out. This bin at our favorite metal dump reminded me of our ability to use, reuse, replace or repair. We live in a country where we have become complacent about our stuff. We overindulge, over spend, over buy and end up with more stuff than we can store or use, or ever really need. As Americans we are programmed to spend and have and want, and too many of us never question why.

We also forget that there are many who do not have and are always in need. They don’t have enough to eat or a safe place to sleep. They lack the education they need to change their world, and they want more yet have only twenty-four hours in each day to work. They always feel behind and never seem to have enough. These are not homeless people, some of them are our neighbors who work hard to simply live only a little behind. Some are living on the other side of poor decisions, poor health, or poor circumstances. No matter who they are, they live in lack and do not see a future where they are ever going to feel fulfilled.

In this time of gift giving and buying frenzy, stop the madness. Think about WHY you are buying what you are buying, and think again before you throw away something someone else might need. Donate the book you just read, donate the clothing you don’t wear, won’t wear, can’t wear. Let the things you own add value to your world, avoid letting them own you.

In a land obsessed with stuff, slow down, think, and buy to give something people need not just what the latest advertisement sells. Simplify your thoughts, your stuff and your actions. If your closets, your drawers, or your thoughts look anything like this junk bin then maybe it is time to change, reuse, repurpose or donate. Only you can give thankfully and with joy so that others have what they need. Remember you don’t take it with you, and no one gets out of this world with a trailer full of stuff. Be thankful for what you have and how you or someone else will live better because of the stuff.