". . . a [person's] life does not consist in the abundance of his/her possessions."
 - Jesus  (Luke 12:15)


I'm only 55 but I do not recall a time in my life when things have been so difficult in our economy.  Maybe there was such a time and it just had less impact on me, I don't know.  I just know it's bad now.

Many of you, I suspect, have been more grateful during these times for the food and shelter you have, especially if your financial security is at all being threatened.  I serve on the Board of the Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network which provides shelter for the homeless and we heard this morning that every day they are turning away homeless families because it's full that day - the need is much greater this year.  I'm not close to experiencing this kind of need. (By the way, if you can give something to a ministry that reaches out to families who suffer the most in times like these, please consider GIHN - we are very much in need of funds to continue to serve these precious people. 105 N. 3rd, Goshen, 46526. There, I just made it easy for you!)

Is it true that necessary things increase in value to the degree that they are rare?  I think so.  When things increase in value we become more grateful for them and also more willing to share of what we have (I hope.)

When one has not been loved in a long time, a little love goes a long way.  When food is scarce, the rations are relished.  When shelter is limited and the alternative is the street, all of a sudden personal space is not that important.  Our feelings of entitlement get tempered and we realize we are owed nothing by anyone.  Instead we owe it to others to be grateful for what they are able to share with us, and grateful that we also have something to give, even if it is simply a sincere "Thank you!"

More of something good does not in itself make one more grateful or make one's life more worth living - it actually tends to work the other way, I'm afraid.  That's why I expect this hard time in our country will actually be spiritually renewing, despite all that people are going through, or maybe because of what people are going through.  I think we'll discover again, more deeply, how important relationships are - how important it is to love and share and be grateful for whatever one has, without craving more.  And people will be more content, deep down.

Why not consider giving non-material gifts to people you care about this year?  If you have to give a material gift, consider adding a non-material one to it, like a letter of appreciation, a thank-you letter for what they do for you and others, a little special time with them to honor them (now that might cost a couple of cups of coffee!), something that symbolizes them or your relationship, etc.  Have fun!  Enjoy how much you can give without spending a penny!

"God, it is times when our temporal securities are shaken that we learn again what really matters and we make the necessary adjustments.  Use this present hardship in our lives to more fully ground us in the eternal nature of what really counts and help us to live joyfully, giving and taking in mutual hardship and together finding our way with You through this time of shaking to the truly solid ground.  Thanks.  Amen"