So What *DO* I Want?
I’ve been asked–repeatedly–what I want for Christmas. Aside from a coffee cup replacement of a special one that was broken (and if I recall, was a gift from a few years back), I having a hard time. A really hard time.
The thing is, it’s a slim Christmas for us this year (and perhaps that will carry over into my waistline this next year). With the business just building up, and now savings being depleted, we’re paying the bills, but there’s not much of anything left after that right now.
In some ways, this could easily be a downer. I want my kids to have a good Christmas. But at the same time, I have this growing resentment to what’s become Christmas in this country, where even the best of kids (and adults as well) begin sounding like greedy little never-satisfied consumers. And frankly, that’s not the American dream I am working for or building my business on. But the fact that we are paying the bills is a good sign in this economy, and better than some folks who are really struggling are doing…but other people aren’t my frame of reference.
The great thing is that we have talked with the kids, and they understand.
But they still want to get me something. And I haven’t a clue what I want.
I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity. Philippians 4:11
Ok, so maybe I haven’t reached the prosperity area–at least not by this country’s standards, but I am already a rich man in many respects: I have a family that loves me (pretty much most of the time), a business that is paying the bills (and the freedom that the business brings), and awesome clients (that I choose!) that I learn from every time I interact with them (both from a business perspective and personally).
And yet I’m asked for a list.
I’ve been asked–repeatedly–what I want for Christmas. Aside from a coffee cup replacement of a special one that was broken (and if I recall, was a gift from a few years back), I having a hard time. A really hard time. The thing is, it’s a slim Christmas for us this year (and perhaps that…
I wish people would quit asking me that question. I want time with my family (as I dont get enough) I want to see the looks on my neices and nephews faces when they open uncle Shane's gifts…..I have all the material things I could ever **reasonably** want.My birthday just past and my 97 yr old grandad called me. The best gift I could have gotten as he cannot see and I bet it took him 2-3 tries to get the # right 🙂
Good stuff, man! You've got the right attitude. It will take you far!
Great Post! Your perspective sums up alot about how I feel as well. The American Christmas experience is a bit more about "out-of-control consumerism" than I would like for it to be. It's awesome that you explained this to your kids, so that hopefully they too can keep the correct outlook on what Christmas is about.-Greg
Hi Scott-just came across your blog and I agree! We (U.S.) are way off track and it is a painful lesson to learn. We (Wilsons)are a homeschooling family as well with our last child (a son) at home and as a 'consumer math' class, my husband worked through the Dave Ramsey videos with him. It has given my son a much better understanding of how money is and is not to be used. Enjoyed your post!