The Tough Choices

Well...let me start by saying that I know that not a lot of people read my blogs.  I am not famous, don't claim to be, don't really care to be.  Yet, what I will write might make the few readers I do have uncomfortable, mad, or even cry.  You might question whether or not you want to continue reading my posts.

We face tough choices every day.  Some of us face more tough choices than others; unfortunately that is reality.  The hot topic right now seems to be what our government will do about the pickle we're in.  I'm not here to offer any solutions or take sides or point fingers.  I just want to remind us that we all face tough choices every day - some more than others.  Do I want to pay more taxes?  Honestly, not really, but that answer means that I'm probably not facing the tough choices others face.  I have worked with people who actually had to choose between heating oil and medicine.  I have worked with people who have had to choose between paying rent or buying food.  So, do I want to pay more taxes.  I'll say yes if it means that I can keep my dwelling place, and simultaneously have food, medicine, and heat or AC. 

Do I think the government spends too much?  Well...yes, because we're in a deficit.  Do I think the majority of folks in the U.S. spend too much?  Unfortunately, I say yes to that, too.  How come?  Because, in the words of John Perkins, a lot of us have taken our wants and say they are our needs; and we have taken our needs and say they are our rights.  I'll be honest with you - I like nice things.  I would love to own a muscle car with an engine and exhaust system that that rumbles one of the best symphonies I've ever heard.  That's just me.  If I buy one, does this make me a bad person?  No.  If I don't buy one, does this make me a good person?  Sorry, 'fraid not.  I think we all need to cut back on spending, but not on giving.  I don't mean giving of taxes or money, I mean compassionate, give-till-it-hurts giving.

For those of us blessed with choices of stuff, we need to make tough choices.  When is enough?  When is too much?  How much can I give away?  Where am I needed?  Who needs my love, my service, my friendship?  Who can I make a meal for?  Who can I send to college because I've been and college will change someone's life!  Who can I buy a house for?  Who needs medicine?  Who needs me to visit them because no one else will? 

I'm not trying to preach or point fingers or condemn anyone.  I just want to challenge us to remember the tough choices in our lives - and in others' lives.  Can our tough choices help make someone else's life better?  If so, then this, I believe, will help dig us all out of deficit thinking, acting, spending, loving.  I still want my muscle car, and if I get one I just hope it's not at the expense of someone I could have helped.