Monday, January 11, 2010

Spending Like A Macedonian

While staring at the crumpled paper that littered our living room floor—lgivingeftovers from unwrapped Christmas gifts—I winced to consider what others were doing at that moment. As my part of Texas celebrated its first white Christmas in 80 years, I wondered how many others were struggling in the extra-cold weather to keep their houses warm. Considering the numbers I'd seen lining in front of our local food kitchen, it wasn't far-fetched to guess that some nearby were suffering.

If I were completely honest, I'd tell you that I'm not in the habit of thinking very often about the needy. And even if I do acknowledge those around me, I normally limit myself to daydreaming. I think, "One day, once I finish school and have money to spend, I'll give to an orphanage or sponsor a child. Hey, if I get enough money, I'll sponsor as many kids as I can!" The more I imagine, the more the idea of giving becomes a part of my distant, fantasy future.

Read the rest here.