Feb
26
How can I practice simplicity as an antidote to consumerism? Since we're leaving Peru and resettling in Charlotte during this Lenten season, I knew I couldn't make any clear prohibitions about buying things. There are too many unknowns. Nonetheless, I'm trying in general to avoid buying things until after Easter.At least when we get home, I know that some of this will be more about putting off buying things than making less purchases. I'll still need a computer, new clothes, and some kitchen items, whether I buy them before or after April 4. Somehow, though, I think having two weeks at home before I dive into the mall will make my transition somewhat more sane.
There's something to be said for self-denial, too. In Pucallpa, there's not much worth buying, but every once in a while I find a knick knack I think I need. Last week my 2 "good" pens died on me. Honestly I panicked a little bit. How can I go 5 more weeks using ball point pens in my journal? Impossible! Just about every day since then I've had this itch to go find a new pen. What's $2? Then I look at my basket of 143 other pens and decide that there's something to be said for waiting. That doesn't make it much easier, though.
Yesterday we arrived in Lima and a whole new world of consumerism opened up to me. There's also this urge to take advantage of the fact that I'm here. I'm going to need a new bedspread for my guest room when I get home. Shouldn't I look for one here where it will be cheaper? As I thought about it this morning, I felt a little push to say no. Four days in Lima without shopping at all would give me more space for other things-- friends, rest, exercise, prayer. Those are the kinds of priorities I want in my life.
My friend Laurie sent me another Kierkegaard quote that she found rummaging through some old things this week. It's a good reminder when I'm tempted to abandon simplicity for things or food or the internet. "Busyness makes it almost impossible for an individual to form a heart."
What do I really need? Let the other activities and objects fall away. More than those, I want a heart, and I want to pursue God's heart.
Hannah -- tie a pretty yarn on some of the 142 OTHER pens and make them special for your journaling. We arrived in SC yesterday -- 36 degrees and pouring rain here today. It's 50 degrees and sunny at home in Maine!
Keep going with the simplicity theme --- not fasting or deprivation, but intentional simplicity. "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" is the title of one of my favorite quilt-making books. On our trip south, I knit a scarf for my sister from some yarn she sent to me -- truly luxurious hand-dyed textured wool with metallic highlights in copper. It's HER. I just soaked it & now it's blocking. She asked me to 'pay it forward' with the leftover yarn -- glitz up a prayer shawl or combine it with some yarn I already have and make something for someone else. I like her attitude! And, surely waste not, want not -- even one inch of luxury yarn.
Did you start knitting up those leftovers yet?????
Lots of love and lenten prayers to you,
Martha