Living in the Lap of Luxury
Over the last three days I have eaten four eggs, less than a pound of beans and two cups of rice. Believe it or not, I’m not really that hungry. Certainly I’m more hungry than normal and feel my stomach asking for something more. My energy level is a bit lower than normal, and my head has a dull ache all the time. But overall, after three days I’m okay.
I’m know that if I continued eating like this for a month I would feel the effects to a greater degree, but over the last few days the simplicity of the meals and the small portions have taught me something.
I don’t need as much as I think I do. Most of us throw away more food each day than most people have in their home at any one time. We have a surplus and excess of everything, and I’m not just talking about food.
My home is filled with my possessions. If you were to visit my home you would not think that it’s excessive or opulent. It’s normal. What we often forget is that most of what we own is a luxury.
We refer to “luxury automobiles” forgetting that owning two cars – even if they are both old but reliable – is a luxury. We speak of “luxury vacations” not realizing that the ability to take a vacation is, in itself, a luxury. In fact, most of the luxuries that we live with day-to-day are things that we can actually live without.
A friend of mine has been scrutinizing his spending lately. He told me, “I always ask myself, ‘Do I really need this and if so, why do I need this?’” He spoke of how remarkable it has been to see how little he really needs. So what does he do with all the extra cash?
He gives it to those who know nothing of luxury.
He decided that if he would have gladly spent money on a bottle of wine, then he ought to gladly take that same money and give it away. So he does - every week.
His challenge and my recognition of how little I can live on have been on my mind the last few days. So I’ve decided to start asking his question of myself. “Do I need this and if so, why?”
And so what can we do with our extra cash? Give it away.
There are several wonderful organizations that make donating easy. Perhaps today you will see that you don’t need that. If that’s the case, then may you give to those who know nothing of luxury.
You can give now to these organizations:
CARE - Defending dignity. Fighting Poverty.
Heifer International - Give families a hand-up.
World Relief - Stand for the vulnerable.
Ten Thousand Nets - Denver's campaign to fight malaria.