As I sit here, sipping my candy coffee this morning….I'm thinking about all that God has done for me. His guidance, His mercy & WOW, His forgiveness. All of which I sometimes take for granted. What a God, right? I'm so pathetic! He never stops blessing IN SPITE OF MY FOOLISHNESS!
Thank you, Lord. I am not worthy.
Two of my kids are working today, the youngest is where many of her peers are….bed! I cringe thinking about the Friday crazy going on outside my comfy warm house. I can't think of anything I need or want bad enough to go out and face bad manners, aggressive bargain shoppers and grumpy tired store employees. I mean it. What is the pull to all of this?
I've been searching my own heart a little regarding just what it is that pushes us to seek such craziness for "stuff".
Am I allowing STUFF to be my purpose? The reason I ask (myself) is because it is so easy to love stuff. I don't want stuff to consume me to the point of ditching out on my family. I know Black Friday shopping can be fun….but really? Is it that much fun fighting all the crowds and unkindnesses that go along with it for some discounted prices? I don't think so. I never want stuff to take the place of my real responsibilities….my home & family.
Is the deal THAT GREAT? Some may argue this with me and I don't care…there aren't any deals so wonderful that I'd miss sleep or put myself or loved ones on the road at wacky hours to score. I love sleep and I love shopping but I'm not going to jeapordize either for the other. Besides, I'm not sure if everyone knows this or not but the great prices are only for a limited time and on a VERY LIMITED amount of merchandise. Why would I stand in line for hours for an item that won't even be there when I finally reach it? No thanks. Hello, online shopping!!
What do I REALLY need? When I think about what I really need it never involves more stuff or a great deal on something. Same goes for my family. Neither of us NEEDS more stuff. Oh, we like stuff and we'll probably buy more stuff between now and Christmas but we don't need any of it. We really need more Jesus. We need to utilize our time better so that we spend it wisely WITH HIM. Each of us have pretty much everything we want (well, I'd love to replace my 14 year old car) and I can't fathom being hungry or going without REAL NEEDS because God has made sure I don't have to. So, shopping til I drop is not what I need.
I don't want you to get the idea that I'm trash-talking you if you're a big Black Friday shopper because I'm not. It's just not my thing and I've given you my reasons. I'm happy to stay home. I know there are deals but what about the retail employees? I find it pretty sad that they have to work and endure the crowds who will trample a grandma for a wii gaming system or a tv.
I can only think of one Friday that deserves this much attention.
Can you?
