The Humble Christmas
This Christmas, there is nothing I want. There is nothing materialistic that will make me happy. I have everything I want: close friends, family, and James. There is nothing else I need. As I talked to my roommate who went to Honduras on a mission trip with other dentists to fix people's teeth pro bono, he continued telling me how his family wasn't buying each other gifts for Christmas this year (or not many), and he was happy with that. He remembers how the people where he was at in Honduras had nothing, and that made him realize what Christmas is really about: people in your life who you want to celebrate, and charity.
Although I may receive some gifts, I have been free from materialism for quite some time. The fact that I don't want anything is a huge change for me. The best gift I received lately was a check from my mom for groceries when she knows I'm having a tough time affording them right now (because my loan money ran out faster than I thought it would).
Take just one second to realize this. Take one second to watch people in our society who are controlled by materialism (I used to be one). It was again shown to me when I was looking for Christmas gifts at the new Ralph Lauren store when the salesmen completely ignored me because I wasn't wearing glamorous clothes. Not only that, but when I was leaving after going through the ties, the salesman sighed real loud so I could hear it, and then straightened out the ties that I didn't even touch. "If you don't have money, then don't come back in here" is what he was basically saying to me. Well don't worry, I won't be back in there.
This Christmas, Hannakuh, or whatever you celebrate, please keep in mind what is important.
Although I may receive some gifts, I have been free from materialism for quite some time. The fact that I don't want anything is a huge change for me. The best gift I received lately was a check from my mom for groceries when she knows I'm having a tough time affording them right now (because my loan money ran out faster than I thought it would).
Take just one second to realize this. Take one second to watch people in our society who are controlled by materialism (I used to be one). It was again shown to me when I was looking for Christmas gifts at the new Ralph Lauren store when the salesmen completely ignored me because I wasn't wearing glamorous clothes. Not only that, but when I was leaving after going through the ties, the salesman sighed real loud so I could hear it, and then straightened out the ties that I didn't even touch. "If you don't have money, then don't come back in here" is what he was basically saying to me. Well don't worry, I won't be back in there.
This Christmas, Hannakuh, or whatever you celebrate, please keep in mind what is important.