We are surrounded by voices that urge us to buy, spend, and continually acquire more stuff. It seems the basis of our so called "economic health" in the United States is based upon all of us being good and faithful consumers of more and more things.

One of the television shows I sometimes watch is called Mission Organization on HG TV. It is amazing how much folks can accumulate, and I do not exclude myself from this reality. There is definitely an underlying note of "giving away" in this show, but an even stronger note of just learning to purchase the "correct storage receptacle" in order to not look like an over buyer. I'm not sure where the shows are that tell us to stop and think before we purchase. Is this an idea whose time has come?

Where does all our stuff come from? And where does it all go? Why do we just keep getting more and more?

I am convinced that folks are trying to fill some empty space with things. I do not wish to paint everyone with a broad brush, but it seems this is one issue that our modern society does not dare tackle. Where would our economy be if we just stopped "buying?" Since we dare not mention God or the lack of His presence in our lives, the hole stays empty and the "stuff" just keeps pouring in.

I made up my mind some time ago that I would always answer the requests from charities for donations. I will try to be a wiser consumer, and I will try to honor God in my purchases. My prayer is that God will keep His hand in my life, as I try to consume less, buy less, and live more.