Professor Barry Schwartz of Swarthmore College has written a lot about happiness and what he calls "mis-wanting" or the human tendency to miscalculate the effect some purchase or experience will have on our overall happiness. He says it began when he walked into the local Gap store to purchase a pair of blue jeans. Being middle-aged, Schwartz was probably already feeling a little out-of-place. His discomfort was multiplied when the clerk asked if he wanted slim fit, easy fit, or relaxed fit; regular or faded, stone-washed or acid-washed; button fly or regular. All he wanted was a pair of jeans!

What happened next is what happens to me every time I stand in line at Starbucks considering whether or not to venture out from my standard (medium decaf Americano) to one of the many other options. Typically I stand there, rehearsing the list of adjectives and nouns needed to get a cup of coffee -- mocha, grande, whip, skinny, iced, -- all said clearly and in the correct order. But I never do it, never actually sum up the courage to go public with such derring-do. I think it's due to social stress; my choices are mundane compared to the people around me who order exotic combinations of double and triple this and that, ringing up a most amazing five dollar cup of delight.

Standing at the counter at the Gap, Professor Schwartz concluded that he was spending much longer in the store than he planned, "investing time, energy, and no small amount of self-doubt, anxiety, and dread." He finally chose easy fit. Being an academic, he started to process and evaluate his experience. His next stop was the supermarket, and now energized, he composed a loose inventory: "85 varieties of crackers, 285 of cookies, 230 different soups, 120 pasta sauces, and 175 kinds of salad dressing. He began to suspect that at some point, 'choice no longer liberates.' It might even be said to tyrannize."

This week we'll begin a Lenten series called "Clearing the Path to New Life" which will explore some basic decisions and values that can support us in our quest for the "life that is really life." You can read this story in preparation; though as you do, make sure to read it for nuance, as there's more to it than often meets the eye. Then, you can watch this video and start putting the two together. I'll do the same and come prepared Sunday morning to share my thoughts.

Warmly,

 

Bob Henderson, senior minister