Being a home care and hospice nurse has taught me so many things. I knew that I was blessed and fortunate with the things I had, like a roof over my head, bed to sleep in, food in my fridge and family who loves me (at least most of the time) :).
What I didn't quite realize was how much I really have and how wealthy I am. I don't mean that to sound rude/snobby, but it's so American to always want more, better and bigger. I have all sorts of luxuries, but compared to other people I know, I'm lacking. I don't have cable t.v. I get one channel. I don't own a smart phone. I don't have a flat screen t.v. I rent an old run down house that has flooring that looks like it's from oh, probably the 70's or so. I don't have a dishwasher, other than my two hands. I have an ipod, but it's at least three years old and has been washed, so doesn't work all the time. To me, I was "doing okay", but never considered myself to be that well off. The more I learn, the more I realize it's all in perspective and money and "stuff" is so irrelevant.
I've met so many people who have much less than I do, but are just as happy, if not happier. Being a hospice nurse is a constant reminder to me that all those "things" are worthless. They are nice for the time being, but when the rubber meets the road, nobody cares about those things. It's always about people and relationships. I have yet to hear a dying person talk about how they are so happy that they worked so hard to earn so much money to inherit all those amazing possessions. They generally speak of people in their lives. The family and friends who have helped them along life's journey and the stories and memories that come along with it.
I have been convicted lately that I waste a lot in my life. I waste a lot of time on useless things. I often find myself going out to eat because I hardly have any groceries, but yet throw out moldy food because I didn't use it. I could go on and on.
Please don't hear me say that having things is wrong. I'm not saying that either. I know some people who are much wealthier than you or I, but they use what they have been given for God's glory and are very generous and hospitable people.
Personally, I have felt the need to cut back myself and be more generous to others. I came across a book on someone's blog and then actually saw the book a couple days ago at Barnes and Noble. The book is called "7" by Jen Hatmaker. She takes seven areas (food, clothes, spending, media, possessions, waste and stress), one each month and makes seven simple choices to fight back against the modern-day disease of greed, materialism and overindulgence. It sounds a big extreme, doesn't it? Myself and a couple others have decided to give it a try. There is always strength in numbers when doing something like this. So how about you? Do you want to try it with us? I just started reading the book and for example, the first month is food. She only allowed herself to eat seven foods for one month. (Ridiculous, I know!!!) Not only does it make us aware of the excess in our lives, but the fasting helps us to focus on God and what He has to teach and show us. But my heart is as she worded, "Jesus, may there be less of me and my junk and more of You and Your kingdom."
I'm hoping to start in the next couple weeks. If you're interested in joining me for this endeavor, comment or send me a message/email. Happy Labor Day! :)
