When it comes right down to it, we live in abundance. Many countries have developed greatly. Most citizens have basic needs satisfied. We do not go to a restaurant to eat any more. We go for the dining experience in trendy restaurants. We go for fast food for the free toy or the play area. Our drawers are packed and our bedroom closet systems are stuffed with hangers.
I’ve had a few experiences lately in which I realized how much I really have verses how much I really need. Perhaps you’ve had similar experiences.
EXPERIENCE #1 – Boy Scout Camping It was a muggy rainy night at the remote cabin. My son’s Cub Scout troop was on a one night stay. We packed as little as we could. We didn’t want to have to keep track of it. We had an extra shirt, socks, underwear, toiletries and food. That’s it. For one day our clothes could fit in a large Glad freezer bag. You might think we were roughing it, but we weren’t. We had everything we needed. Though my son would argue he needed his Thomas Trains.
EXPERIENCE #2 – Vacation It is summer as I write and we are preparing for vacation. For the week we are going to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. To prepare we are packing what we need. For two weeks my girl has been ready to go with her suitcase packed. An audit of her suitcase showed she nailed it. She only packed toiletries, books for the road and clothes. Nothing that’s not needed.
How much is she leaving behind in her room, though? A Lot! She can survive for a week with just the one suitcase. Can we survive for even longer with a little bit more? If we do laundry once a week, how many sets of clothes do we REALLY need?
EXPERIENCE #3 – Business Travel I travel a lot for my job. In being an expert traveler, I’ve learned how to travel light. If I don’t, I have to check in a big bag that I have to pay for. Twenty-Five per trip for a total of FIFTY! Another downside of believing we NEED too much.
In all actuality, I’m glad we live with abundance. It allows me to watch TV. I have a comfortable home. I have time with my family. I don’t have to take large risks to provide for my family. I have to be careful, though. I have to temper myself. If I don’t, then I get wrapped up in the accumulation of stuff. It overflows my shelves and stuffs my bedroom closet systems. I overlook that I do not really need these things. Then the stuff owns me.
REMEMBER: In life, you can’t have everything. Where would you put it?
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