In preparation for the holiday season, I, like most, have been busy shopping, heading to parties and even helping host some events. In doing all of these things, I realized to an even greater extend than normal how abundantly we are blessed. We are able to go to stores and buy everything under the sun. We are able to purchase food and when we attend dinners or parties, we are able to pile the plates high with all sorts of goodies.

I believe we do this with very little thought, if any, with regard to others who are not so fortunate as we.

Earlier this week, I attended the Shepherdstown Community Club’s dinner (which I actually prepare for them). In a conversation with Mike Austin (one of my favorite guests at those functions!), we touched on the idea wondering how a “study” of affluent folks’ behaviors in a food line such as those who attended the club dinner would compare to those in a line for homeless and constantly hungry folks.

While we certainly have not done such a study, I believe it is a reasonable guess that those who have little or none would be much more conservative in what they take because they know what it is to be without.

Our society of affluence and abundance has led us to not only have more but to expect it to be there for the taking. Many of us in the older generation (oh my, it is time to include myself in that) say that our younger generation is “all about me.” They often expect things to be handed to them without effort. I believe it is not just the “young ones” who fit this category. I believe the majority of people in our nation fall into that realm as most of us do not lack for food or material goods. In fact, we have way too much. And the more we have, the more we expect.

Let’s take time this holiday season and heading into the new year to recognize this about ourselves and to not “want” or “need” so much. Let’s think about those who have nothing or very little and give some of our excess to them. There are charities galore that assist those in need. Make a conscious effort to not accumulate more “stuff.”

And if material goods are not something you can give; give of your time. Often that is the most precious thing of all and something we never seem to have in excess.