You’ve heard the adage “He who dies with the most toys wins.” Have you asked yourself lately how much stuff have you collected and accumulated over the years. And with the holidays fast upon us, we’re about to give and receive more stuff. But there is another adage we’ve all heard, “You can’t take it with you when you die.” And that is so true.
These days, though, our attitude and thinking is very different. Friends and family are losing their jobs. Some have lost their homes or they are close to it. People are dumping their animals out on the streets or in the local shelters for termination. “Mom and Pop” shops have closed their doors and all types of people are visiting food pantries. We live each day in fear not knowing if we will be the next ones out on the street. What about all that stuff now? What has it gotten you?
During these tumultuous economic times, we should take a hard look at ourselves and determine what we really do need and what we desire. What we desire isn’t always what we need. We are so easily influenced by media and our peers, we’re convinced that we really need all of this stuff. But Psalm 37:3 tells us “Trust in the Lord instead. Be kind and good to others; then you will live safely here in the land and prosper, feeding in safety.” Have you been holding on so tight to all of your stuff that you may have forgotten that there are others who have lost all of theirs? And is all of that stuff making you happy or just stressed because you’re not certain if you can continue to pay for it?
This year, why not celebrate this Thanksgiving and Christmas and visit our Alternative Christmas market on November 22 and December 6. Not only will you feel great and thankful with what you have, you will help support several of the local Santa Clarita Valley charities. All of the donations made are tax-deductible and making a donation in a loved one’s name is a great way to not add more stuff, but instead fill your heart and theirs with love.
Go ahead and lift your spirit and think about life without all of that stuff.
For more information, please contact First Presbyterian Church at 661-259-0555.