Ok, so my head is pounding as a result of an internal debate that has been playing out in my head all day. And although I wish that it would go away, I also think that it has caused me to do some real thinking... and I suppose a fair amount of stressing as well.
Like many people do around this time of year, our bible study group decided to "adopt a family" for the holiday season to purchase gifts for etc. We went through a local non-profit here in town and they linked us up with a single mom and her 3 sons. Someone in our group called the mother about two weeks ago to see what was on the family's "lists" and then created a sign-up sheet, of sorts, so that we, collectively, could purchase some, if not all, of the items. So, here is where my internal drama began... I reviewed the wish lists this morning hoping to select a few items on the list to purchase while out and about today. And I did find some things that I thought I could "take care of." But after reviewing the list, I remembered a conversation that a couple of people in our group had had the Wednesday before about the eldest son, a 12 year old I believe, asking for a pair of new sneakers. And not any pair of sneakers... the mother informed us that he was "very picky" about his shoes and really wanted a pair of the throwback Air Jordans.
Now I don't know alot about shoes or Air Jordan's for that matter, but I am almost certain that these are not "cheap" by any stretch of the imagination. Now don't get me wrong, I am not someone who believes wholeheartedly in the popular phrase "beggers can't be choosers." I was young once. I remember vividly how important I thought it was to have the "right" kind of clothes on at school. So when I say "cheap" I am not implying that this kiddo only deserves the cheapest tennis shoes someone can find at Walmart or Target. But spending $150 or even $100 on a pair of tennis shoes for this boy sounds absolutely ridiculous. Earlier today, and even now these questions are still going through my mind:
Why did the mom allow her kid to ask for a $150 pair of sneakers from complete strangers?
Does this boy think that he is entitled to these shoes? What will his response be if we do buy them for him? What will his response be if we don't?
What should our group do? Buy him the shoes on the list or more moderately priced ones and use the additional money on other family necessities?
If anything, today has made me rethink how much I really undestand about what Christ calls us to in terms of giving... especially in this culture. Is it my heart that needs changing? Am I holding on too tightly to the money that God has only entrusted me with to borrow? Or could we be fueling yet another person's desire to chase after the things of this world which only provide temporary comfort and peace.
I am not sure.......
Blessings,
Katie
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