Black Friday has always been a tradition in my family. For as long as I can remember, my mom and I would get up long before the sun to stand in lines. Perhaps back in the day it was because we treasured a promised item worth the extra hassle, but throughout the years we've come to enjoy the routine of it: the stories of those who stand behind and before us, assisting strangers throughout the stores, speaking of family traditions and loved ones near and far. As strange as it may seem, it become a fun way to connect with my mother as well as my community each year.
Yet this year felt different. Truly, there were very few lines as we made our rounds; several of the stores had opened the day prior, leaving their aisles like ghost towns. It returned to what most people see it to be: a day to engage in a plethora of shopping for knick-knacks and what's its. And with such motivation, it quickly got old.
I think it felt different as well because my heart has changed. In the past, I often become consumed by a good deal, buying way too much for my loved ones simply because I thought they'd like it and it was a good deal. I've now become more cautious in my approach, buying for loved ones not everything that somehow relates to them but only what I know they will really appreciate and enjoy.
As I returned home for the day, I worked on Christmas gifts as the television played in the background. Mind you, I haven't had television in years, so it was a bit of a culture shock as every commercial declared: shop shop shop! After all, isn't that what the holidays are all about?
And that's when my stomach started to churn. No, I have nothing against giving loved ones gifts: gift giving is one of my favorite ways to express love! Yet I feel like our culture has become obsessive. We're overwhelmed with consumerism, with having more more more! So much that the one day of the year that we're called to give thanks has been overwhelmed by buying more and more stuff.
And the dizzying effect of it has caused me to pause. What really matters in this life? What are the things that will make an eternal difference? This season, as I reflect on all that God has given me, and His Son the greatest gift of all, how can I give not only material things but also of myself? How can I love the least of these and outcasts in our community? How can I love God by loving my brother? How can I give and receive in a way that glorifies God? How can you?
Yet this year felt different. Truly, there were very few lines as we made our rounds; several of the stores had opened the day prior, leaving their aisles like ghost towns. It returned to what most people see it to be: a day to engage in a plethora of shopping for knick-knacks and what's its. And with such motivation, it quickly got old.
I think it felt different as well because my heart has changed. In the past, I often become consumed by a good deal, buying way too much for my loved ones simply because I thought they'd like it and it was a good deal. I've now become more cautious in my approach, buying for loved ones not everything that somehow relates to them but only what I know they will really appreciate and enjoy.
As I returned home for the day, I worked on Christmas gifts as the television played in the background. Mind you, I haven't had television in years, so it was a bit of a culture shock as every commercial declared: shop shop shop! After all, isn't that what the holidays are all about?
And that's when my stomach started to churn. No, I have nothing against giving loved ones gifts: gift giving is one of my favorite ways to express love! Yet I feel like our culture has become obsessive. We're overwhelmed with consumerism, with having more more more! So much that the one day of the year that we're called to give thanks has been overwhelmed by buying more and more stuff.
And the dizzying effect of it has caused me to pause. What really matters in this life? What are the things that will make an eternal difference? This season, as I reflect on all that God has given me, and His Son the greatest gift of all, how can I give not only material things but also of myself? How can I love the least of these and outcasts in our community? How can I love God by loving my brother? How can I give and receive in a way that glorifies God? How can you?
No comments:
Post a Comment