I didn't shop!

I wanted to, that's for sure. I could just about feel the excitement, you know, the rush of buying. You hold the item, almost caress it as you pass the plastic. Just pass the plastic. Just give the nice cashier the plastic. Just do it . . .

I did not shop. I did not use the 15% off Kohl's coupon nor the Old Navy one either. I put away the $10 off $30 to Bath and Body Works as well as the $10 off $50 at J.C. Penny's. I threw the coupons away, as well as the fliers. I stopped at Walmart and came out with the item I went in for but nothing else. I shopped at the grocery store and bought exactly what was on my list. I just could not shop.

Why? I want to do more this year. I want to bless someone in 2011. In my previous post I outlined my goals according to my reading of the book "Radical". In a fibromyalgia fog I had almost forgotten my goals. It could have been that easy. Even without the fog I probably would have mindlessly just shopped as I always have done. Oh I always used coupons and didn't overdo (I would like to think) but I have always had more stuff than I truly NEED. So, I did not shop.

I want to reach my goals. I want to bless others. I want to help fund a Jesus well (water) for the poorest in Asia. I want to supply blankets, bibles, food and shelter for someone who has nothing. I desire to live sacrificially this year to accomplish these goals.

I have so much. I have a modest but large old home, a closet with too many clothes, weeks of food stored in the kitchen, access to modern medicine and four bibles. I have too much. I plan to pare down to give to a local charity that has a thrift store.

Am I doing this to impress others? No. I am doing what I believe is the least I can do for others with the riches granted to me by God. I am doing what I think Jesus would want of me and I want to please my Lord. Have you ever wondered if there is another reason to save money? There is, it is to give to others. Whatever your budget or walk in life, never forget that there are others who simply want bread, a blanket or a cup of non-polluted water. What could you do to meet their needs?