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Black Friday or Greed

“Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” 
—Luke 12:15

According to Wikipedia, “Black Friday” is an informal name for the day following Thanksgiving Day in the United States of America, the fourth Thursday of November, which has been regarded as the beginning of the country’s Christmas shopping season since 1952 and the day shopkeepers balance sheets turned black (positive) from red (loss).

I’ve never been a “Black Friday” type of girl. I just couldn’t fathom the idea of camping out for hours to fight a massive crowd for an incredible sale. Somehow, I figured I would catch whatever I needed or wanted throughout the year at a reasonable priced sale that would match my pockets. 
However one year, my curiosity got the best of me. Some family members and I enjoyed an early Thanksgiving meal & headed home for bed. We set our alarm clocks, so that we would be at Smithfield Outlet by midnight. We didn’t necessarily need anything to add to our clutter of overcrowded closets or countertops; but, we wanted to experience the “hype” firsthand. We dodged into stores with a heightened adrenaline rush, anticipating unbelievable sales. I mean, we drove an hour; surely, we would make the drive worthwhile. Needless to say, we scurried in & out of stores with my little cousin bundled up in layers, still sound asleep in a stroller. We walked for miles & probably didn’t spend $50 between the three of us. I bought a pair of jean shorts from Gap that were on sale cause it was an off season item. I don’t quite remember what my other family members bought but it wasn’t much for an hour drive.

We headed home in silence. We were beyond disappointed. We could’ve had more fun enjoying our family earlier that day. I mean, we dragged my little cousin out in the cold weather, chasing a “commercialized thrill.” Sadly, we didn’t need anything but we were overtaken by curiosity. We left without experiencing the “thrill” we were seeking.
Thank God for growth. Yesterday, I headed to Raleigh to enjoy family time (without rushing off to sales). We prayed, talked, ate & enjoyed playing games. Actually, I came back to Rocky Mount to attend an Al-Anon group with my extended family. I could barely keep my eyes open; because truthfully, I’ll confess in overindulging of the Mac & Cheese. I’m sure, I was a little more than guilty of gluttony. However, I felt the urge to repent at 3 am, when I woke up with a stomachache & excessive bathroom trips.

I accomplished everything I set out to do (well, minus the early morning stomachache) & it was wonderful. I slept in peacefully without interruptions, enjoyed a gigantic, homemade pancake without guilt, spent quality time with family & enjoyed priceless moments with my extended family—-a perfect day!

This year, I’m not interested in the anxiety of buying gifts. I’m not digging through dozens of items, trying to make the “best guess” at with others want to add to their excessive collections or re-gift. It’s exhausting! Every year, I feel like I “guessed” wrong anyway. This year, I’m just thankful for “fellowship!” I can easily recall my fondest memories but never the gifts. I don’t have a clue to who bought what last year. This year, all I want is —unconditional love! You can keep the gifts & this is coming from a person that has nearly 300 lipsticks with only one pair of lips, shoes that I house in two different locations with one pair of feet, and jammed packed closets after downsizing twice. I don’t say that as bragging but in complete disgust! “Excessive” has become a way of life that serves me absolutely no pleasure. I used to be addicted to “things” to compensate for what was missing. This year I am completely satisfied. There are no “voids” to fill by superficial things. I am whole, not seeking a “missing” component, to make me feel whole. 
I’m overtaken with excitement to celebrate the birth of Jesus. 

No new socks, 
no new pajamas and,
no added Bath & Body Works candles.

This year, my priorities have drastically changed. I’m in awe of L-O-V-E.

Blessings & peace this holiday season as you reevaluate your priorities. 

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