Take a Moment

I was skimming over an article a friend emailed me, a line hit me and my gears started turning. The author was writing about materialization and how the world seems to be more concerned about the cost of gasoline, clothes and cars than everything else that is going on around them. I tend to agree with this to a point, but it can also be looked at on two different levels. Those being 1) a person is concerned about the cost of gas and material objects, not for glamour and vanity's sake, but because the cost of things these days are skyrocketing at an enormous rate and they are concerned for their family's well-being, as well as their own, and 2) a person is concerned about the cost of gasoline and material objects because the rising costs are finally starting to affect their very comfortable lifestyle.

Personally, I belong to the first line of thought. I'm not a rich person, and I don't come from money. It would be great to have a good amount set aside one day, but that day is certainly not tomorrow. I shop and compare; I think before I buy. I can't even tell you the last time I bought a pair of shoes. My last major shopping spree was the purchase of a couple of summer shirts for $2.99 at Conway's in New York City. I'm concerned about the cost of things because my budget is tight. I don't buy lunch in the city much anymore because it's far cheaper for me to buy food at home and bring it in with me everyday. I'm concerned about prices because I have to be.

On the other hand you have those people who are concerned about the cost of gas because it now takes $80 to fill their Hummer instead of $48 (based on the Hummer 2's 32-gallon gas tank and the current average cost of gas at $2.50 compared to the good old days of $1.50). Here I am struggling to fill my 10-gallon tank, praying to God that I have the $20 to do it, and they're worrying about their luxury SUV's massive gas tank that we all know is environmentally unsound anyway. If that's the type of car you want, you're only setting yourself up for disappointment down the road.

There seems to be a train of thought associated with how much money you have. I work almost everyday of my life, and I have little to show for it. My husband is the same way. We have bills to pay, groceries to buy, pets to feed, a house to manage, etc, etc, etc. Such is life and we're dealing with it. If we stay on track, we should be debt free by next year this time (isn't that going to be a wonderful feeling!). I'm concerned for the well-being of my family, friends and those around me. I'm willing to give my last dollar to a homeless person if I think it will help them get a warm meal or a cup of coffee on a cold day. If you think about it, I don't have the money to throw around and spend on others, but I do anyway. I don't spend on myself; I purchase things my family needs or I buy lunch for a coworker if they're short a few dollars. I care.

Then you turn around and you have people throwing their money around 5th Avenue, Rodeo Drive, exclusive resort towns and the like, and they have no idea that there is anyone else out there, struggling, suffering, starving, dying. They don't look past the end of their noses; they kick the homeless people out of the way. They have the money to spend on others, make donations, donate food and clothes, and yet, they don't. They don't care.

I want everyone to take a moment to realize that there are others out there. Others that have to work to survive and to feed their children. They don't have the luxury of their Daddy's trust funds or generations worth of money that's been around for so long you can't tell if it's collected more interest or dust over the years.

The Bible tells us not to be materialistic and that life is more than objects and money. If you don't believe in God, than I'm sure you're religion has a similar belief (if you're not religious, I hope you can take the time to consider the idea). Over time, we have developed with and by technology. We have made so many great leaps towards curing diseases, increasing communication throughout the world, making historical discoveries--the list can go on and on. But with the development of technology comes the material objects that catch our eye and make us want to spend our money. "I'd be so much cooler if I had that car!"

Technology will always be there, and as is develops, man will always be scrambling to get the newest gadget on the market. I've wanted a Blackberry handheld for months now, but I can't afford one yet. I love those people who have to have a new cell phone the minute the next best model comes out. I had my last cell phone for two years--imagine that! Likewise, I've had my car for seven years. Most people keep their car as long as the lease is good for and then it's time for a bigger, better model.

What I'm trying to say is we all need to take time to look past what's on the store shelves or in the department store windows. Don't look at the car commercials and don't go running to the store for a new cell phone if yours isn't broken. Take a few minutes each day to look around. Become aware of who's around you--the rich, the poor, those in between. We're all out there. We just need to realize where we all are, who we're near, who needs our help. And help isn't always money. Help is love, a simple "Hello" or an umbrella on a rainy day.

Don't go spending your money on gadgets and clothes just because you want to be the next hippest thing in town. Spend your money on clothes because you really need them. Buy a used sedan instead of a gas-guzzling SUV. Save your money for something truly important. You never know when you'll join the ranks of those you choose to ignore.

Pirate fact: William Dampier, who traveled the world numerous times, published journals about his travels, mixing tales of pillaging, looting and buccaneering with detailed accounts of wildlife, geography and navigation. Regardless of his known piracy, he was in high demand by English high society. Dampier was a popular figure often invited to many upscale functions.