Consumed by Consumerism

On my drive home from work today I called my mom as I usually do, to tell her I was on my way. I told her I had to stop and pick up a couple of things for my friends annual Christmas party on Friday  and she asked me to get a loaf of bread. This doesn't seem like that absurd of a request, but we happened to have an entire loaf at home (I just opened it this morning to make some toast). When I pointed this out, she said "but it's not very good bread, we need a new one". When I hung up the phone I started to cry. This whole situation called attention to how wasteful I have the means to be, and it broke my heart! There are so many people in this world, so many of my friends, who have a hard enough time buying one loaf of bread (and when they do, they use it sparingly). When I go to Moldova I am sure I am going to see children on the streets who would give anything they have for that loaf of bread we are able to throw away.

It frustrates me so much to know that I have so many unnecessary things in my life! Last weekend I went through my clothes and found 87 things to give away(and  yet I still have a closet full), I have about 10 boxes of books in my basement that won't fit in my room, and untouched foods sit in our fridge. As much as I try to give away, I still feel like I am suffocating in things!

This holiday season I have been desperately trying to find small ways to escape the consumerism that consumes so many of us, but I still rushed out to buy things for a gingerbread making contest. I know there is so much more to life than possessions, and those are the things that I cherish, that bring true joy to my heart. Every day I work with two beautiful little people who have nothing to give but themselves, and yet they always give me life.

The aspect of my mission with Word Made Flesh that excites me the most is that I will have only myself to give. And the people I am working with, they will know how to give of themselves as well. Despite every gift I could give this Christmas, I want to remember that the best gift I can give is myself, because when I give that I am giving everything I have.

God, take all of me. Take my heart, and my soul, and my passion. Take all of my love. And free me from the things that take away from the abundance I have in You. Give me life to the fullest, and let me love as selflessly as You. Amen.