Years ago, when I first began my career in real estate,
one of my associates, gifted as he was connecting with clients and of delightful demeanor, was easily breaking 6 digits every year. He was new to the industry, but exceptional with clients and a great fit for the industry. In that one year where we both worked for the same company, I saw my associate purchase one new luxury car, and then another (owning two simultaneously), a luxury home, a new wardrobe, and the list went on and on.
I set up my associate with a charming girl friend in my social group, and the two hit it off and became an "it" couple. It seemed to me my friend had everything.
There was only one thing that was troubling to me. My associate talked endlessly about what he was going to purchase for himself.
As I sit here contemplating, asking myself what life is really about, what Christmas is really about, and as I have pondered this year the same question, I've thought back to how Christmas came to be. A little over 2000 years ago, a baby boy was born into the world, grew up, and his public life changed the course of the world to follow. What was his basic premise?
Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30
I spent years of my younger life working hard to acquire. Acquire, pay bills on what is acquired. Acquire more, pay more bills to maintain what is acquired! I had bought into the basic premise my associate believed. More things would make me happy, more things are what I needed. More = success! Success equals others thinking well of you. And that equals...happiness...? But there was no rest for my soul. I became depressed under this burden. There had to be more...
Bono of U2 volunteered in Ethiopia with World Vision. Bono promotes volunteering as the cure for depression. How can he do this?
How can someone propose giving of oneself to others as the cure for loss of purpose, loss of meaning in life?
Jesus, that little boy who grew up to forever change the world, had something to say about this. When a rich young man asked Jesus what he must do to to have eternal life, Jesus responded that he must keep the 10 commandments. The young man replied,
"I've obeyed all these commandments. What else must I do?"
Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, and follow me."
But when the young man heard this, he went sadly away because he had many possessions. Matthew 19:20-22
The United States is panicking, now.
What is in the future? People are losing homes, and many are hording money. Fear is seeping into nooks and crannies. What happens if we lose all those possessions that we deem so crucial for our "happiness"? What hope is there?
Let me pose another question... What is the purpose of our life? Is it to live, acquire, and die?
Some asked, upon hearing of a rich man's death, "what did he leave behind?" The grim response...... "all of it."
How can we make our life meaningful, purposeful, and enriching? How can all our toil amount for something?
No matter what you believe about Jesus' teachings, I challenge you to something...
"Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means caring for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refusing to let the world corrupt us." James 1:27
What are you willing to do with your life, your money, to shake off the "more stuff, more stuff" mantra and to give something or help someone that will leave a lasting legacy? What burden are you tired of carrying? What exchange, from burden to joy, do you want more of?
In the true spirit of Christmas, Merry Christmas everyone!!!! Merry Christmas. May your heart be light, and your walk be gentle, and may you be blessed as much and more as you bless others, and may your cup "runneth over" with true and lasting joy.
With love,
Sara Washburn
