the oreo dilemma
Streets of Port au Prince, Haiti
In December I plan on systematically going through my possessions and minimizing as much as possible. Not only do I want to reduce what I own, but I want to be more cognizant about what I spend. Therein lies the rub. How do you distinguish between wants and needs?
This differentiation has become extremely blurred in materialistic first world countries. If you are reading this post, you are probably doing so on a computer, or a smartphone. It's likely you have internet access and are sitting in a home, apartment, coffee shop, or car (hopefully you aren't driving). You may not be rolling in cash, but chances are your basic needs are met. So, is a smartphone a want, or a need? A computer? A car? Internet access? Dare I say, coffee?
Even a trip to the grocery store for food (a basic need) isn't clear cut. Do I need the Oreos, a steak, ice cream, or soda? I would venture to say that a significant percentage of the things I buy when shopping for food are wants, not needs.
I've spent a significant amount of time in Haiti. On my first trip I was overwhelmed by the level of poverty -- people for whom life is a daily struggle. Haitians, in spite of their challenges, are some of the happiest and kindest people I have encountered. My time in Haiti changed my perspective on the difference between wants and needs. Sadly, it hasn't done much to alter my consuming behavior. That's what I'd like to change.
So, this Thanksgiving, I am grateful for all I have -- family, friends, health, possessions...and even Oreo cookies (a lot by the standards of the world). I am also hopeful that I will become a better steward of my time and possessions -- focusing on needs versus wants -- and being satisfied with the fact that I have more than enough.
Happy Thanksgiving, all! God Bless!
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