Well, with my ever growing desire to rid my life of needless material possessions I have successfully eliminated a lot. It has been an interesting trail to travel and one that has led me to another decisions that I'll talk about in a second. As I was going through boxes and boxes of things (which I am still doing) that I haven't seen for probably years it was all of those little things that hit me. The smell of the chapstick that I used when I was twelve, stuffed animals that haven't been seen in years, the little rings you get for 25 cents. And most of all the bracelets. I scrapped part of my life yesterday. Of probably close to thirty hemp bracelets, anklets, necklaces and rings, only two remain. An age is ending. Digging through the past can do interesting things to your brain. Good memories, bad memories. I found several random scraps of paper that brought back so much joy, and ones that filled my eyes with tears. Things have been saved and filed away, but much more has been set aside to give away.
Our house is nothing magnificent to look at, one story three bedrooms, two bathrooms, plus the room we built in the garage... but it is so much more than we need. We have been blessed so abundantly, and the way that I use that blessing has almost begun to sicken me. The decisions that I make daily to live my life materially have begun to weigh heavily on my heart. How do I justify spending twenty dollars to go have some fun when there are people who are starving, homeless, dieing? I am learning that if I am truly to believe what I do then my life must change, so it is starting. I don't know how far I will be carried, but the journey has begun, and it is only Christ who will carry me to my destination because I know that I could never make it there on my own.
So consequently if you are interested in getting me something for my birthday there are only two things that I want. The first is a lens for my camera which has been really hard for me to go ahead and decide that I am going to get it. I believe that probably my family will pay for most of it and I will end up paying for the rest, so if you want to help out with that you could send a couple dollars the way of my parents and let them know. Or additionally you could give this: A Gift of Hope
(If you already have gotten me something, or still want to that's ok)
4 comments:
Bravo, my dear. You inspire me. I'm proud of you and want to be like you and think Heifer Project is an awesome way to go. I'm fond of them too. :-)
I think I need an eye opener like you had. I'm too distracted these days to do much more than nod in agreement with you, but I know God is not satisfied with my staying here, so i look forward to His... adjustment... in the future. Love to you. :)
big picture is scary! need a push myself. looking back from where ever the hope is we will all wish we used less. b
I just think, express myself, if you Bethany, I like Bethany, then you know what kind person she is, much she dose for everyone else, turn 18, is big deal some pepole. about Bithany, At ashram she taugh us at song name, :aardvard is our friend, So I went to Heifer internatioal's wedsite, but they have no AAdrvard, I do not know if haveing no Aarvard is good or bad thing. so aarvard id out. in her later
blog post, she ask us to pictch in and but her lens for her camera. I only see Bethany one time an year, I think She ony took two picture me.So why should I pictch in and buy her am camare lens? I was think about that all day yesterday,
and at 4:12am the answer came to me, What are friends for? I was just think! no need to respond? if you want me to remove, your name from my list just ask.
just me
Jim Winters
12-07-48!
My Dearest Bethany,
I love you dearly you have been blessed but that doesn't mean you in any way have been selfish. I don't believe you have takin advantage of you have or been given. God knows your heart of hearts. I know you have made a wise and well thought out decision and I trust you. I love you!
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