We went shopping at the warehouse club store this weekend.
When we go there it’s usually to make purchases for the Family Business. I have nothing against those stores. It’s just that our little family of four, that includes two small children, doesn’t have much use for a 4 lb. can of tuna or 7.5 dozen eggs. And as much as I’d love that 5 lb. bag of Hershey’s Kisses, I don’t want to add those 5 lbs. to my backside.
We did pick up for ourselves a can of baby formula, and a 36 roll pack of toilet paper that will last us until spring. You don’t want to be snowed in without spare toilet paper on hand.
But there were a lot of folks who, I could tell by the contents of their shopping carts, were buying weekly groceries. Huge bags of frozen chicken, 2 dozen bananas, supersized cases of soft drinks.
In the parking lot on the way to the car we passed a family who was having trouble stuffing all their goodies into their mini-van. I think they were tying to decide which kid to leave so could get their side of beef home.
And that’s when it hit me.
What a testament to American excess.
Now don’t get me wrong.
We are very blessed in this country. And a lot of it’s due to good old fashioned hard work, and ingenuity. I have no problem with those of us who live here reaping the rewards of that. I’m a capitalist through-and-through. I bleed red, white and green.
But to a lot of the world we look ridiculous carrying around 10 lb. bags of shredded cheddar cheese, and 5 gallon containers of hair conditioner. Even in other affluent countries many consumers go shopping almost every day, and only buy enough for a meal or a two at a time.
And to some of the world, well they can’t imagine stocking up on something for a whole month, because they don’t even know where tomorrow’s dinner is coming from.
As we drove away all I could see in my mind were the images of Haiti on the news this week. How many Haitian’s thirst would those huge pallets of bottled water inside that store quench? How many hungry babies would those over sized cans of formula feed?
We have so much, and so many have so little.
Give thanks with a grateful heart for what you have, and where you live. And remember those whose don’t.
If you can, give. Just a few dollars in the hands of a reputable charity can mean aid and comfort for the suffering.
Even if you can’t give, you can pray for the injured and the grieving and the lives that are shattered.
The large majority of us in America live in great wealth compared to the poverty of other’s.
Remember the others.
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy… Psalm 82:3-4
Great post!! I totally agree with you.
Interesting post. I can definitely say that Australians define America principally through its excess – an Aussie on the street would name massive SUVs, supersize McDonald’s and billion dollar sports stadiums as the first thing they think of when it comes to America.
But really, what’s wrong with a 10lb bag of shredded cheese!!!!
wow – thats a great reminder. i read proverbs 3:27 last week — “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back later; I will give it tomorrow’ – when you have it with you.”
we gave more that night!