Whack Friday

So this morning after the meal (Thanksgiving that is), I am sufficiently still full. And frankly a little remorseful. What was started as some settlers thanking God for their bountiful harvest and sharing a time of peace with their new neighbors (my early AM understanding of it’s origin)—has turned into a glutenous celebration of food, family, and football. Nothing against the three “Fs”. I am a big fan. But you know what I mean.

I did enjoy a marvelous meal with my folks, some in-laws, my wife and kids. We did thank God for what we have and played a dinnertable game to offer additional thanks—and I am deeply thankful for a lot. But I gotta tell ya, this morning after the meal, as I sit in an Atlanta Bread Company, still belly full, watching the cars tear around and fill up the Kohl’s parking center for pre-dawn sales opportunities, I am quite in a contemplative mood.

First of all, why do we eat so much? I’ve heard that we get three days worth of our optimal caloric intake in the span of three hours. When do our appetites say “uncle”? And even when they do, why do we override that voice?

Secondly, when did we decide that we need to grab another day (all 24 hours of it) after this feast to shop? I don’t understand this experience. Perhaps its to simply save a few bucks—perhaps its simply the lunacy associated with it. However, it does seem a nauseatingly appropriate activity for our society and culture. Why not spend a day eating and sitting around, then go and buy a bunch of stuff for ourselves or those really close to us. Probably a lot of which is using credit (you know, the money that we don’t even have). You could argue that the gift is in the giving, but I really doubt the legitimacy of a lot of that speak. Its to get the stuff, y’all.

Then there is the stress. Some of which comes from our internal battle to rationalize or justify our glutenous behavior—after all, we’ve earned this money. Some of which comes from our self indulgent desire to have our kids have what other kids have. Or ourselves having what the Jones’ have. And not being perceived as less than, or unthankful in our gifting.

What if this Holiday Season we focused outside of ourselves. What if we took the money designated to our kids and told them that we were gonna use it to help a couple of children stay alive and eat for a year. Or that we were gonna help keep some young preteen girls from being sold into the sex slave market. Or that we were gonna help find a cure for childhood cancer. Or that we really don’t have the kind of money to buy all of the stuff.

What if this Holiday Season we focused on Jesus. The God/man who had ownership on true perspective. The One who could answer all of the “whys” that we ask. The One who provided the ultimate example of gift giving.

What if this became a season of appetite control, sacrifice and honor due. Clearly, I am no shining star in the battle to overcome appetite and don’t continually give sacrificially. I fall way short. But with God’s help, and and as I consider Him and His desires for me, and respond to that help and consideration, I can move further that way.

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” " 1 Peter 1:13-16


Of course there are exceptional folks who are exceptions to some generalizations above, but I think you know where I am coming from....