I saw a book several years ago that I would still love to have someday. Flipping through the pages while standing in the bookstore, I was deeply affected by “Material World:A Global Family Portrait” created by photojournalist Peter Menzel. He and his team traveled around the world, seeking out families willing to have all their earthly possessions moved out of their home and into the street. Peter photographed each family standing with their belongings as well as taking pictures of their daily life and culture. It is fascinating and eye-opening. The starkest contrast for me was the American family, whose belongings filled an entire cul-de-sac compared to a family from Tibet whose belongings were mostly contained on a small table.
If anyone’s at a loss about what to get me for Christmas, any of Peter’s books would be wonderful! He’s recently finished one about what and how much people around the world eat. Also very interesting.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in these last three years is to be content no matter what, even when my housing, my clothes, or my budget are not what I wish they were. There are so much more lasting and important things in life than tangible things. In fact, having less is sometimes freeing – not as much to worry about, insure, and store. Don’t get me wrong – when I walk around a mall I wish I had several thousand dollars – I could do some serious damage buying clothes, shoes, Bath & Body stuff, you name it. I love to shop. And I have to admit, I love stuff.
Today at lunch John, Krissy and I were talking about using all the food in the pantry and being creative. So often there are things in there I’ve bought at the grocery store a long time ago and never used. Krissy commented, “That’s ’cause we’re poor.” And we all laughed. We’re not poor! We’re a little squeezed by our squeaky tight budget but my goodness, we have so much more than so many people around the world. And…things don’t bring peace, love, freedom, joy, or fulfillment.
We’re so privileged in America, but maybe that’s a disadvantage. What do you think?
card. “Why no, I don’t” I replied. “Well then, fill this out and take this,” she said as she handed me this tiny card to put on my key chain. “And,” she added, smiling, “since you’re signing up for the card today your drink is free.” Cha-ching! Bonus!
I don’t really know how to let go of this dream. It’s a daily process – trying to remain content and thankful and focus on other things. It’s interesting the things that make us feel settled in our hearts and souls: having a permanent residence, all belongings moved in and in their places, a steady job, a routine we’re used to, comfort zone stuff. Vice versa, temporary situations, not having all your belongings accessible to you, lots of change, living with someone else and feeling like you’re an outsider – like it’s not really your home – all of these seem to keep the contentedness of heart at bay. There seems to be a longing inside most of us to have a place, to have a home, to be settled down.
Along the Narrow Path 