What The World Needs Is Less Of Everything Tangible & Physical & More Faith, Hope & Charity:

As I wash all my plastic containers that hold left-over Thanksgiving food, I can only think of those who are hungry. While I throw away food, (because on the news they warn everyone food needs to be disposed of after 3 days) people in my own country are hungry and those in other countries are actually starving. Something is definitely wrong with this picture.

I am not pointing the finger at anyone in particular, unless it is I. After all, I did indulge in Black Friday Shopping, which was kind of bittersweet. On the one hand, I loved getting a pair of boots, 2 pair of shoes, clothes and jewelry for 70% off. I clutched my bags and feasted on cinnamon pretzels while watching the other shoppers take advantage of shopping, perhaps for Christmas Gifts (that is a whole other story).

Yesterday, after having houseguests for a couple of days, I washed about 9 loads of laundry in my automatic washing machine and tossed them in my dryer. How much work is there to washing these days? Please don’t get me wrong, I am so thankful. The first few years we were married, I hung out all the clothes and it was more time-consuming. Honestly, though, I loved hanging out clothes in the fresh air. I couldn’t do it now because clotheslines aren’t allowed in my neighborhood. I am getting away from my point – how fortunate that washing is not a chore; it is so easy and quick. We could wear an outfit for a couple of hours and just toss it in the laundry basket.

A couple of years ago, we had some friends pay us a visit from an area that apparently does not have a mall. I will never forget what they said, after visiting our mall: “It’s just too much – too much of everything.”

Recently, I have heard that those in other countries who have far less than we do are much happier. They don’t depend on “things” to make them happy.

We say we are having an economic recession and I know many are out of jobs, so I don’t mean to downplay that fact. However, to some, maybe they just need to rethink their $300.00 cell phone bill or cut down on Starbucks Coffee. We are such an indulgent society; we feel that we owe so much pleasure and indulgences to ourselves.

Less Is More

If we think about it, “Less is more” is really a provoking thought. “Less” could mean a more simple life, which could be “more” of an awakening to spiritual fullness and happiness.

The origin of “Less is more” comes from this 19th century proverbial phrase. It is first found in print in Andrea del Sarto, 1855, a poem by Robert Browning:

Who strive - you don't know how the others strive

To paint a little thing like that you smeared

Carelessly passing with your robes afloat,-

Yet do much less, so much less, Someone says,

(I know his name, no matter) - so much less!

Well, less is more, Lucrezia.

Does The Answer To “Too Much” Lie Within Us?

In a country that glorifies greed and our leaders set a precedent of more for the wealthy and less for the middle-class, struggling man, it is quite a challenge to change our thinking. The Bible states, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:25 NIV)

I began this article by asking how could people in the world be starving while I am tossing out food that could not be consumed because I had “too much.” I believe the answer is within us. It is to reeducate ourselves and our country in what is important and what is fair.

If we had less “things,” perhaps we could concentrate on concepts, such as Faith, Hope, and Charity. The Bible tells us that these 3 unseen truths will outlast all the “things.”

1Co 13:13 But now abideth faith, hope, charity. These three shall survive