Day 22, Saturday, Book of Faith – Lenten Journey
I appreciated the author’s black and white distinctions between some wants and needs. For instance, we need the protection of a roof over our heads, but do not need a house worth millions containing thousands of square feet. The fun part, however, is trying to discern between the shades of gray. How much room does our family really need? How much space for our stuff do we really need, and, along with that, how much stuff do we need? What types of space are necessary to help create relaxation and sabbath time? What do we really need for entertaining others? How much bread is too much bread?
So, is fruit of the Spirit bread as well? It certainly is a necessity of life. Or, is fruit of the Spirit covered under “Thy kingdom come” where we ask that the love, joy, peace, etc., that’s present in the kingdom of heaven be part of our life now? Presently I like linking the two together with daily bread because it suggests that when we pray for daily bread we are also asking for that discerning Spirit which helps us distinguish between shades of gray. Many times it is difficult to know how much bread is too much bread. I’m comforted by the thought that as I pray for daily bread that I’m also praying for the wisdom to know the difference.
As I read today’s meditation that Sybil Sheperd commercial for I believe it was, Clariol hair color came to mind – the “because I deserve it” mentality. That was the first commercial I remember seeing where someone actually used the words “I deserve it” rather than having that same message artfully hidden as an underlying theme.
It is interesting to hear the author raise the questions I sometimes ask myself. Is it too much, do I really need it or is this just a temporary desire. Couldn’t the money I ‘m spending on this be better used for another more meaningful purpose? We are bombarded with messages daily about the latest must have technology, the latest styles and colors, oh my gosh, that designer handbag or jeans! Have we become a “we deserve it” nation who has strayed too far afield from what God wants of us? Many times I think so and then I go shopping or I see something and I become only too human. “Give us today our daily bread” is so meaningful. I just hope I can keep my head about me in terms of what “bread” means and just how much is too much.