The Ghost of Christmas Past

 

Right before Christmas I did it again. I went into Wal-Mart to pick up some free envelopes for some picture cards and while there, I purchased a new 32 inch television. I bought it on impulse because the price ($200) seemed so low and maybe it was. It was a Vizio, they're a good TV right? The point is, I don’t need a TV.  Well maybe I can put the new 32 inch in the guest room. The one in there now is an old vacuum tube dinosaur but it still works.  What's troubling me is that I forgot all about the ‘Don’t spend money over a certain amount without consulting your spouse rule’. Had I followed the rule she probably would have said NO and I would have quickly agreed with her. So back it goes tomorrow to Wal-Mart. Keeping the thing  would haunt me about my scary lack of self control.  And that reminds me that all kinds of mayhem occurs around this time of year. Many people including myself can do some scary things around Christmas time. Our wants overshadow our needs. We spend too much and we obsess over giving and receiving 'things'. The crime rate goes up, addicts get triggered and use, alcoholics fall off the wagon, gamblers will break the bank one more time. Life can be a struggle sometimes can't it?  But there is hope, may you find Him now: Mark 1: 32-34.