Wants and Needs

I want, I want. I'm sick of hearing myself.

I am trying to lose my selfish side. To do that, I have to make a true discernment of wants versus needs.

It sounds easy, doesn't it?

Needs are food and water, clothing and shelter, air and perhaps fire.

We need to have faith, a sense of humor, perseverance and a host of holy attributes.

In today's world, we feel we need a telephone, preferably cell, and a computer--preferably with high-speed internet. We need a car with style or torque or both--not just any clunker will do.

We need to spruce up the house with a paint job or new siding every so many years, change our furniture and our draperies to keep a fresh look.

We need to look respectable when we go out, lest we run into someone who might remember us from high school days.

I am trapped in this world of wants.

I don't need any of those things. Hubby says I have enough clothes and jewelry to last the rest of my natural life. Our furniture is old, but I like it. I got a car because the drive shaft fell out and it was easier to keep a car payment than to pay cash for the massive repairs needed for inspection. 

I'm making excuses, aren't I? Just like the ones you make when you "haven't a thing to wear" or whatever.

I see the sad faces of children who are cold or hungry, or a vet who is missing a limb. I see the folks by the Mall begging for work or food. I feel guilty because we have so much. I hear friends deal with their various ailments, and I am grateful that my dubious health issues still allow me to get around.

So, what do I need?

I need to be surrounded by family and friends who love me unconditionally. I need my church. I need my home. I need the peace of the lake in the summer and snow on the trees in winter. I need time of quiet and time of thoughtful conversation. I need to hold hands with the man I love and walk along the beach.

When all is said and done, I can see that I don't really need another thing....

except maybe a bar of chocolate now and then.