It is said we live in a throwaway society.
It is true what they say, that we live in a society that will throw away just about anything! Just drive down the street on garbage day and you will see a myriad of stuff sitting on the curb waiting for extraction. Perfectly good items, like furniture, toys, clothes etc. I know a woman who goes around and curb picks, (she calls it that because it sounds so much better than garbage picking), and finds some really great stuff. Then she cleans it, if needed, and takes it to a resale shop or sells it on Ebay. She is making good money on other people’s stuff.
Another part of this story, and one I am guilty of, is keepsakes, another name for stuff. I am emotionally attached to things, and am afraid, if I throw these things away, I am going to lose those memories, or be disloyal to the person from who these items were received. So as a result, my attic groans under the weight of my stuff.
I don’t think there is a town in America that doesn’t have a Ulock or mini storage facility. Why? Because we need more room for more of our stuff! What exactly is our motivation for doing this hoarding? One reason is, we are living longer than our ancestors, and the things they have passed down to us, we keep. We used them many years, but in some cases downsizing leaves no room for precious heirlooms, thus, we store them. I am guilty as charged! I have kept things of my son’s, who pass away, clinging to his memory, trying to stay close to him. Silly, because he is not in any of those things, and my love for him will never wane, even if I don’t have those items anymore. So why do we do it? Is it because the more stuff we have, the more we think of ourselves? Is it a salve we use to try to doctor a trauma or hurt?
The sad part of this scenario is we throw away precious things without even batting an eye. Like unborn babies, pets, marriages and relationships with friends and family. We even throw away our children’s respect, by berating them for some minor infraction, to make up for our own shortcomings, making us feel powerful. Many people don’t even think twice about getting rid of unwanted stuff like a pregnancy that doesn’t fit into their life plan. One of the greatest gifts you can give is a precious baby. God gave us his own son for the remission of our sins. The Bible says; it is hard for a rich man to get into heaven because he won’t give up his stuff, and accept Christ.
Heading into this Christmas season, we need to ask ourselves; “how much stuff do we really need?” Since Christmas is the season of giving, why don’t you clean out those storage units, closets, basements, attics and garages, and donate the stuff you can live without to those less fortunate. Make sure the charity is reputable, and not a solely owned good intention, money-making place. Salvation Army is above-board. Give until it feels good!
As parents we can be hoarders when it comes to keeping sentimental stuff of our children’s. I am very guilty of this, and having 6 children you can only image the art work that is collecting dust, up in my attic. Teach your children when they are small, that giving is a character building practice. Help them go through their toys and clean them up and take them to a homeless center or a shelter for women and children. It will stop the hoarding and make you both feel better about yourselves!
We as writers have the opportunity to show the wonder and beauty of giving, in our writings. Whether it be toys, an organ donation, or a baby someone is unable to raise for circumstances beyond their control. Let us show just how precious the gift of giving can be to a person or a family.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 6:19, 19:23
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Luke 12:34
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33