Dear God,
I am so afraid to open my clenched fists!
Who will I be when I have nothing left to hold on to?
Who will I be when I stand before you with empty hands?
Please help me to gradually open my hands
and to discover that I am not what I own,
but what you want to give me.”
? Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Only Necessary Thing: Living a Prayerful Life
Reconciling consumption with faith and our consumeristic culture can be challenging. Reducing our consumption requires us to slow down and be intentional about our choices. Living simply leaves space for God to work in our lives, and at the same time we can be confident we are being good stewards of all God has given us.
Challenge:
- Can you recycle, reduce, or reuse something new in your home? Keep adding to the list.
- Can you curb food waste in your home? Here are some ideas.
- Can you add a fair trade product to something you use regularly?
- Go through your material possessions. Keep only what you love and what is necessary.
- Go through the room of your house. Streamline and edit. Do the same in your office. Do the same on your computer. Repeat.
Read:
- The Minimalists- two friends on living a meaningful life with less.
- The Story of Stuff- inspiration for building a just and healthy planet.
- The Material World– photographer Peter Menzel documents families around the world surrounded by what they own.
- The Minimalist Baker: all recipes require 10 ingredients or less, 1 bowl or 1 pot, or 30 minutes or less to prepare.
- Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist encourages us to slow down and open up our tables to others.
On-the-Go Social Media to Make a Difference:
- Instagramming your dinner? Use the Feedie App to donate to the Lunchbox Fund.
- Try the Check in for Good App.
- Donate a Photo and raise money for a charity of your choice.
How do you curb consumption in your life?
Lisa Van Engen writes at abouproximity.com about faith, social justice, and serving as a family.
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