I'm trying to wrap my head around what is happening in the world. What's happened in Haiti is . . . tragic and devastating. The pictures . . . the film footage . . . my heart breaks for those who are left in the aftermath, having lost everything but their own lives . . . left to grieve this tremendous loss of life and limb and home and churches. Their way of life forever changed in an instant.
When I was buying the new towels at the NEX yesterday I noticed an elderly couple buying, literally, almost 100 tubes of AquaFresh toothpaste. On the inside, I snickered, thinking, "Yeah, you just might live long enough to use all those!" Then, a God-thought chastised me immediately: "Sarah, shame on you! You do not know your hour any more than they know theirs! They are maybe buying disaster relief items to be shipped to Haiti!"
That judgement thing. Uff da, yeah? Here's the thing. I do not mind being wrong. I can make ammends and even concede my errors. But I do mind judging others, because it's not fair to them. I should never assume the worst of people.
I think the reason I thought that (about the toothpaste) was from experience. When I moved into my great-grandmom's and great-aunt's condo (my grandfather rented it to me) I had to sort through their belongings and . . . they had Ivory Soap bars from one end to the other end of the condo - tucked in the funniest places. And, the toilet paper . . . it was amazing! All stuff they never got to use, but kept buying/hoarding.
I know God expects better from me, because I love Him. And, I can do more than pray for those in Haiti. I can! WE all can!
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I have been looking at options of where to donate. Have come up with a couple. One in particular is a Christian site. http://www.foodforthe poor.org
It is hard to imagine such horrors when we live such comfortable lives.
I have NO problem with people hoarding toilet paper. It never goes bad and somebody will always be able to use it. I give it to friends as humorous house-warming gifts. They love it! (I buy the good stuff just this once.)
I struggle with judgement thing. I'm trying though, at least that is a start. My Grandmother hoarded toilet paper, soap and fixodent (for her dentures). I understand that this is very common for people who lived through the great depression. Sad. The toilet paper thing...well, I wish it lasted long enough in my house to be hoarded!!!
My husband has often said that the Great Depression makes that generation do some interesting things! I know people from that generation that save everything...including ziptop storage type bags with the year 1979 on them!! I saw this bag last year.
Yes, the Great Depression did have that effect on people ... an urge to hoard and use an item up 'completely'. My family also had to sort through an aunt and uncles possessions. Everything was marked with the year purchased and the price paid (if the sticker wasn't attached). The couple didn't have children, so everything was split up mostly among my siblings and I ... I'm still trying to use up notepads and emery boards! The thing is, they are paper and could be easily disposed of ... but I don't want to waste the items, either!! It'll probably take me until I'm 90 to use the 5 emery boards I'm keeping.
I've never been in a situation where I wouldn't be able to replace an item, at least with something similar. It's very hard to imagine. I have much for which to be thankful.
I just love you! From your evil little cackles to your honesty and humor, God sure made you one of a kind! Something about you just makes my heart smile :)
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