Content

You don't have to give into whatever society is doing or trying to get you to do.

I've been shopping with my girls a couple of times in the past weeks. Both times I had to work very hard to not get pulled in by the fads and styles that are "in" now.  Simply because a style is popular doesn't mean it is right for me.  I see people everywhere wearing the current styles, no one is considering whether or not the style fits them, they buy it because it is for sale and everyone else is buying it.

It works the same with all the colorful household decorations they display in the stores.  As I walk through the aisles of stores, I am attracted to the pretty colors and shiny surfaces, but I don't see any need for them.  Once I have a set of dishes, why would I need to buy another.  They make plastic dishes and containers and bowls and display different colors every season so that people want what is newer and better.

It takes a bit of work to remind myself that these things are not necessary, that my money is better spent on time with my family than on things that will ultimately collect dust and won't add value to my life.

It is sad that our society feels they must try to persuade us to buy each and every little thing.  Creating quality items is not as important to the manufacturers as creating items that can be used and thrown away so that more can be bought.  It's okay to desire and have these things, but I think our society wants us to want more and more and these things aren't created to help us be content.

We have to work to be content on our own.  We have to remind ourselves of our blessings and remind ourselves that we have everything we need in the friendship of our friends and the love of our family. The people around me give my life its greatest value.  They make each day meaningful.  Time spent with my loved ones will not be better because I have new dishes.