Thursday, November 24, 2011

Friday Loose Bloggers Consortium: Gratitude

Although my last post was about my gratitude, I do have more to say on the subject. This past year or so I have been thinking along the lines of the quote I posted in my last entry. I have been thinking about how covetousness is the antithesis of gratitude.

I think these thoughts first came to me when I was looking to buy a new sweater. I was looking for something "cute", and stylish. My main concern was how I would look wearing it. As I wandered around the store, it occurred to me that I have perfectly good sweaters at home. That thought made me realize that I wasn't appreciating what I already owned. Stores work very hard to market their goods so that you begin to feel that what you already own isn't good enough. But I remember seeing my grandmother wear my grandfather's old sheepskin lined coat, instead of the brand new fancy one given to her for Christmas. She felt the one she owned was good enough. In fact, I don't know if she ever wore the new one. She made do with what she had, and didn't get caught up in materialism.

When I was a missionary in the training center, we were only given one day a week to go out in to the world to shop and take care of other errands. I remember one time when we went to the mall. As we walked around the mall, I was really struck by how materialistic it all was. Being all week in the training center took me away from all of that, and it was a shock to see it once again. It was actually oppressive.

I still struggle to appreciate what I already have, and it is difficult sometimes to not covet what I do not have. But I think it gets easier the older I get. I may never wear the most current styles, but you can be sure that what I do wear is good enough.

Now go and see what the other consortium members have to say about this issue:

6 comments:

Rummuser said...

AND when you are as old as I am, you will not covet anything and would in fact want to give away most "Things" in your life and become simple.

Anonymous said...

Swapping clothes sometimes helps to give the owner a new perspective when they see their own garment looking chic on another.

Grannymar said...

For all of my young life I was painfully thin and clothes off the rails did not fit me, clothes were always made for me and as soon as I learned to sew I developed my own style. At times I am amazed at how some women spend a fortune on the 'latest fashion' even if it does not suit them.

Re BWT's suggestion on swapping clothes.... I wonder if you would let him know that I have a little black number that might suit him! ;)

Nene said...

I heard a good quote: What would you do if you woke up this morning with only the things you thanked God for yesterday? I just hope I can remember to be thankful everyday and not just the month of November. :0)

Delirious said...

lol yes Grannymar, I think I might have something flashy I could swap with BWT. ;)

ocdwriter said...

I think Humans are predisposed to constantly hunt for the next best thing in life. I guess it is a wiring problem in our brains. But few people see this is an anomaly and make an effort to be in the present and be grateful for all that they have. If any of us are getting into that mindset, then its more wisdom than what the majority of the population can boast of. So congratulations :)