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Sacrifice

Designed to Be Happy by ~drowned-in-air I was having an e-mail conversation with a good friend of mine the other day. Now, e-mail conversations are never good because you only get one side and dialogue really doesn’t exist.

We were talking about excess and whether it’s right to spend money on things which a lot of other people would never get.

I firmly believe that I should support small businesses, even if it costs more, than the larger chains whenever possible.

At the same time, I’m frequenting these places to sustain a lifestyle that is far above what 99% of the world live by. Do I keep buying raw food for my dog because it’s a little bit healthier so I can support the business owner that I like? Do I begin buying more espresso and ices cream because I want to see the owners of the store down the street succeed?

I would think things like my fishing trips are more an extravagance than a necessity, and you would be better served by supporting that guide through paying for people who have little resources to go and have a guide. Then they begin to find the joy in fishing you’ve found, learn a bit about fishing, and are able to bring home some food as well.

Redskins tickets, on the other hand, are a gross extravagance that I’ve been recommending we stop doing for two years now. but Erin and her dad want to buy them. We are probably getting rid of three of our seats for next year… so we’re down to four. But there is a reason Erin goes to the games and I watch the kids. It’s definitely her passion.

Overall though, the problem is still the same. Am I willing to be incredibly uncomfortable and think of living my life differently? Differently meaning in ways I’ve never even considered and make me incredibly nervous?

This whole thing got me wondering about what it really means to be a Christian and to fully follow Christ.

Peace,
+Tom

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