Don't Scurry, Be Happy (by Mary Nelson)
Economists are telling us that people are not spending enough money this Holiday time and thus our economy will suffer. I am reminded of the president's urging after 9/11, to go out and spend money, buy things as the way to make things better. I can't believe we fall for this false assumption of economic well-being: buying things, or things themselves, will bring happiness.
A consultant in community building was invited by the South Korean government, saying, "We have money and things, but we are not happy." Bill McKibben in Deep Economy indicates the US is producing more, has higher economic incomes and more things than ever before, but we are no happier or satisfied. There is a growing dissatisfaction with all the things, a deep longing for community. Some people are shifting their priorities, working less and spending more time with family and friends.
Bishop Robinson of England, in his 1980's book, Enough is Enough, called us to a "joyful revolution" of people over things, of time spent in community and making a difference over the work-and-spend treadmill. He suggested three maxims to remember as we look at ads, walk through stores, are tempted to add a few more things to our bounty:
- Who are you kidding?
- You can't take it with you.
- The price is too high.
In this season when we wish people Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year, and seek to create some of that happiness in our families and communities, may we prioritize actions that create and sustain life, family and community.
Mary Nelson is president emeritus of Bethel New Life, a faith-based community development corporation on the west side of Chicago. She is also a board member of Sojourners.
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Comments
Word!
Posted by: Dave Bennett | November 6, 2007 1:03 PM
Amen.
Posted by: Ben Wheaton | November 6, 2007 1:20 PM
I am off this Christmas , Happy Days .
Weird thing though , many states are hoping that Christmas sales are brisk , sales tax feeds the state coffers .
FDR even re assigned the date for Thanks Giving during the Depression as to give the Christmas Shopping Season more time .
Glad to see people are still reminding us the real reason for the season ,
Merry Christmas Mary !
Posted by: Mick Sheldon | November 6, 2007 6:03 PM
I do believe Mary Nelson takes the presidents comments after 9/11 out of context, though her point on consumerism is right on. It is unfortunate that it had to be wrapped in an inaccurate slap at Bush.
That being said, we will be spending as much if not more on Christmas this year. The difference this year is that we are putting together family projects to give to. By pooling our money (grandma, grandpa, aunts and uncles) we can make a significant difference in a impoverished community.
There are many reliable ministries that can help you be a blessing and make a real difference.
Jeff
Posted by: Jeff | November 6, 2007 6:24 PM
I'm going to suggest to my family that we get together and buy a cow or a goat for a family in Africa. We aren't rich, but we have all we need, and it would be a more meaningful use of our resources.
Posted by: squeaky | November 6, 2007 6:27 PM
Squeaky,
That is a great idea. I know that Heifer Project and Samaritans Purse does this kind of ministry. Do you know of any others? If so let know.
Jeff
Posted by: Jeff | November 6, 2007 6:39 PM
Well said Mary!
Posted by: Eric | November 6, 2007 6:40 PM
Posted by: squeaky | November 6, 2007 6:27 PM
I'm going to suggest to my family that we get together and buy a cow or a goat for a family in Africa. We aren't rich, but we have all we need, and it would be a more meaningful use of our resources.
Last year my husbands Dad insisted that we all do something for charity instead of buying a gift. So we decided to do Heifer International. It was really neat. Also, another year we got creative and made homemade soaps and baked goods,then I did baskets for everyone. There are so many creative things to do without spending a lot of money. And ways to help those who are in need during the Holiday Season.
Oh, for those interested thought I'd leave the site for Heifer International.
http://www.heifer.org/
Thanks for article Mary.
Posted by: Anonymous | November 6, 2007 6:43 PM
Mary definitely needs to enter more posts!!
Posted by: joekc | November 6, 2007 7:06 PM
I'm going to suggest to my family that we get together and buy a cow or a goat for a family in Africa. We aren't rich, but we have all we need, and it would be a more meaningful use of our resources.
Posted by: squeaky
Hi Squeaky , I am a sponsor for a child , who now is 18 in Eithopia . Christian Children's Fund . One of those 25 dollar a month deals , and last Christman with the extra bucks I sent they got a flipping goat . Kid is a pretty thoughtful fellow , sent me a letter telling me he planted a tree over there named after me . Choked me up .
Posted by: Mick | November 6, 2007 8:09 PM
Jeff asks, re Christmas goats/cows/chickens/etc:
Do you know of any others?
It's become quite a big thing with the British charities. In North America, MCC do it (http://mcc.org/christmas/animals.html), and I believe we had a catalogue last year from World Vision that contained the odd goat.
Thanks for the post, Mary - a vital reminder.
Mark
Posted by: mark | November 7, 2007 2:01 AM
Hi Jeff--those are the ones I know about. I just saw a video of Heiffer International--it's really cool. Just a leg up to help families help themselves--and their neighbors, since they are also required to give any calves away. It's like Habitat for Humanity with livestock!
Posted by: squeaky | November 7, 2007 9:36 AM
One Christmas, we gave to local charities in relatives names. For my parents, we gave to the battered women's shelter. For my sister who loves animals, we gave food to the humane society. For my sister with two kids, we gave books to children's charity.
It doesn't have to be just for people in need overseas. We have plenty to do here at home as well.
Posted by: Charity | November 7, 2007 12:31 PM
For many years now, we have sponsored food baskets and stoves to be donated on the Navajo and Hopi reservations, in lieu of gifts to friends and family. The donations can be made in a friend's or family member's name.
Check out the Southwest Indian Foundation for details.
Pray for Peace!
Posted by: Doug & Jan in CO | November 7, 2007 4:13 PM
"...a great idea. I know that Heifer Project and Samaritans Purse does this kind of ministry. Do you know of any others? If so let know."
Lutheran World Relief provides excellent opportunities in this area, with lower "overhead" than many others (including the Heifer Project), with more of each contributed dollar going directly to relief.
Check it out:
www.lwr.org
Posted by: Pam | November 7, 2007 5:06 PM
Great post! Thanks!
Wasn't it Paul who told us something like "Paul seeds, Apollos waters but it is God who gives the increase"? If we want 'the increase', I think Paul is suggesting that we be busy about the business - not of consuming - but rather the business of 'seeding and watering': stewarding the needs of God's people and creatures around us. Yes, Paul was saying more than this but couln't you agree that he was saying at least this: that stewardship rather than consumption is the way to Godly 'increase'? Proverbs 14:34 tells us that God's reconciliation, His justice and His wholeness (righteousness) "exalts a nation". Seed and water. Rescue the perishing. Uplift the fallen. Tend the sick. Give voice to the voiceless. Give hearing to us who are too dense to hear. Give sight to those of us who're too stubborn to see. Seed and water. God will give the increase. Seeds and watering for Christmas? Why not?
Posted by: Tom | November 7, 2007 6:45 PM
Note to Squeaky: That family in Africa will love their goat, and you can feel you've given a gift really needed. Great plan! Just be sure your money actually buys that goat. Read the small print in Heifer Intl. brochures, and you'll see there's no assurance your money will buy a goat for a family in Africa. There are dozens (hundreds probably) of small non-profits who will love to receive your money and be sure it goes exactly where you want it to go. Let me suggest one: www.lahash.net. They aren't into buying goats, but they are into taking care of orphans in a big way.
Posted by: Retpas | November 9, 2007 1:22 PM
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