it isn’t what. it is why.

This is a great time of year for awesome store sales — and I absolutely love finding a deal. I keep my eyes open for those sweet clothing items and begin the inner-monologue of strategy as I look for a reason to make a purchase. My latest excitement is the thought of Christmas presents at a great price.

As I was unpacking a few more boxes over the weekend — I tried really hard to make a pile of things to give to someone who could really use most of my gently worn clothes. I’m a saver. I still have the pair of jeans that I tried to convince my parents I really needed in Jr. High. Oh to be cool. Those Z. Cavaricci’s with the awesome embroidering on the back pocket have been sitting in my closet for years — I can’t part with them. It’s the memory that I worked all summer to save my money for one pair of jeans. It’s the memory of my pursuit of popularity in my teen years. It’s the laughter of the ridiculous stories I can tell today — because now, it doesn’t matter anymore.

As I look into my closet and the closet of my roommate, my family and other friends — I’m convinced there isn’t anything more any of us could really use. And a recent move will remind anyone of the simple fact. Since Christmas is the season of giving — I think it would be great to think differently about it this year. Here are some of my ideas:

1. Take the money I would have spent on all those special people in my life and make a contribution to an organization that will really make a difference in someone’s life.

2. Buy a small token in honor of a greater cause you’ve contributed to — my workplace bought camels thru World Vision and we gave our employees a mini camel stuffed animal to remember the difference that was made in a family or village.

3. Spend the holidays away from home – with my family. The older we get and as the family will soon begin to grow – let’s just hang out — away from work, phones, friends — because we are family. Let’s really enjoy each other.

As it challenged me, I hope it challenges you as you begin to prepare your budget for the holidays: All you have to do is make a choice.

$8 could buy you 15 organic apples OR 25 fruit trees for farmers in Honduras to grow and sell fruit at their local market.

$30 could buy you the 3rd Season of LOST on DVD OR a First Aid kit for a village in Haiti.

$73 could buy you a new mobile phone OR a new mobile health clinic to care for AIDS orphans in Uganda.

$2400 could buy you a second generation High Definition TV OR schooling for an entire generation of school children in an Angolan village.

According to the Global Rich List (www.globalrichlist.com), I am the 107,565 richest person in the world. In my mind, I don’t make a lot of money — but what I do have can make a difference in the lives of other families or villages. It is about the choice I make in the ways I allocate my resources.

Those jeans still sitting in my closet since 8th grade also serve as a reminder that I have been blessed so I can bless others. It’s my desire to make this season of giving special — because there are more people who could benefit from my giftings than those in my circle of family and friends.

And since you’re reading this on a computer – I would bet the same for you too.

I probably love Florida so much is because it doesn’t really change a whole lot throughout the year. Unlike Minnesota seasons, Florida remains green. Green falls, winters, springs, & summers. Other than the gradual change in temperature, Florida is constant. It’s kinda how I want to be. Constant – and when it’s time to change, may it be gradual.

I’m not gonna lie, it’s definitely about control. I’m completely resistant to change when I don’t initiate it. And I’ve been unsuccessfully fighting change for the last two months.

Relocation, career, friendships, school, & the future.

With change, I always (w/o much thought) find myself job searching in Florida. Yet, the serious consideration of leaving family and friends in hopes of something new and exciting is somewhat unrealistic.

Deep inside, I know that which seems abnormal today will again become normal (which in itself sounds boring). But when that one day comes — I hope to have the chance to return to that place the remains unchanged (just to visit) — in order to see the ways in which I myself have altered.

Change demands I get uncomfortable.

When I lived in Florida, I eventually started to miss the change of seasons — the colorful leaves, the first snowfall, and tulips pushing thru the ground. Change of seasons in Minnesota is beautiful. It sparks awareness of life — it moves us to celebrate each day as if it was created for just us.

Change isn’t easy – especially when it leaves you with unanswered questions. But sometimes it’s necessary.

I have yet to think of a time when change didn’t bring about something good — and that gives me hope — that thru all of these changes, I am being prepared for what is to come — after all, when I am driven to finally relinquish my control, the peace I feel is almost like the feeling I get when I’m laying in a hammock between a few palm trees on the beach — and that is one of my most favorite places to be.

It’s really about contentment — more than palm trees, beaches, & tanned skin. But I’m thankful I have a place I can easily travel to that always reminds me of similar lessons.