Today my Room Mom from school emailed me and asked me if I had a wishlist for Christmas. I spent about an hour off and on trying to frame a reply. She asked if there were things that I wanted that maybe some of the parents would want to contribute to as a group. After reading that my response was, "um..."
There are many things that I can think of that I want, but nothing that I can think of that I need. So do I start emailing her ideas of all sorts of things that I want or that I would enjoy having? Do I honestly tell her that I don't need anything? Do I tell her what I think she wants to hear? Do I actually tell her that I don't want gifts but would rather have the money spent on something life the Gospel for Asia gift catalog? Am I truly willing to give up my Christmas gifts?
This situation, and the consumerism that surrounds Christmas raises a battle within me. There is the side of me that simply wants more things and is never satisfied. There is always something more that I could have. This side of me also knows that I will be getting gifts from parents at school and selfishly likes that idea. The other side recognizes that this world is temporary, nothing that the world offers can satisfy. This is the side of me that recognizes that I already have more than I could ever need and that maybe I should give it away. The two sides battle within me and this is the verse that comes to mind:
Matthew 6:19-21 "19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
I do not know why I was born into the privileged life that God has given me, and I may never fully understand. I do know that with blessing comes responsibility, and I have been greatly blessed. I also know that I would rather have my treasure be in heaven than on earth. Does this mean that I have completely solved this conundrum? No, it doesn't, but it has certainly made me think about what I value, and where I place my treasures.
Did you email her back yet?
ReplyDeleteI think it's fair to say you don't need anything, but I also think that some people really love to give gifts to others (different love languages and all that) and they may really want to bless you by giving you something you would like.
I've sometimes asked for small fun things. For example, last year or the year before I asked for a silver or gold sharpie. I loved that gift! It was not needed, but I certainly like it and enjoy using it. Sometimes the little things are the most fun (like socks! or maybe fun earrings for you?) and then you also don't have to worry about others 'wasting' their money - though it isn't really a waste if they CHOOSE to show their love for you that way.
But yes, I think you can tell them that you would love if they bought a goat or whatever from the catalog. It might be particularly meaningful if you picked out a few items and explained why - like "I was in this country" or "we just studied this animal in science and I think the kids will really like the idea" or "I just think it would be awesome to provide school supplies for kids in need since we are so blessed here"
You could also ask what they think of the idea of the catalog. They may want to get something for YOU. Do you have/want a Kindle? Something for your classroom? (Though I think most parents would rather get something for you...)
I'm curious to know how you decide(d) to answer. Does the person who asked you read your blog?
And now I should end because my comment is about as long as your post. I wonder if there is a comment length limit?