I've been thinking about this post for a while now, but I'm still not entirely sure how to wrap my mind around all of the issues. I'm hoping if I put it out there, others will weigh in.
The issue that's been keeping me up at night most recently is the idea of entitlement. Not necessarily in the sense of unearned privilege (though I fully recognize that a large part of what we have is due to being afforded certain privileges that others cannot access), but moreso with respect to what we "earn".
It sometimes doesn't feel like it, but we are some of the wealthiest people in the world. To what extent is it ethically responsible to enjoy that wealth? How do we find the proper balance between having and giving?
Even with all we already have, there is a long list of things I want (most of which relate to home improvements or travel destinations). And yet people live with a whole lot less, and I'm sure we would survive if we didn't ever get anything on my wish list. The money we could spend on an international vacation for our family of four could feed a small village for a year. We could donate that money to the world food programme, or we could travel abroad and alter our children's perspectives on the world (which may inspire them to pursue a career that makes the world a better place), support the local economy of artisans and small business owners, and replenish our own reserves of happiness. Is either one of these the "right" or even the best thing to do?
It feels incredibly selfish to admit, but (a large) part of why we work "so hard" (which is nothing in comparison to how hard most people in developing nations are working just to meet their most basic needs) is so that we can enjoy some of the "finer things in life". If we were giving all of our excess money away, I don't think we'd be anywhere near as motivated to work as hard or as often.
So where's the balance? Just how much joy are we entitled to? The best answer I can come up with is that we should aim to give away enough to make a difference, but not more than what would make us feel resentful of the act of giving. In my mind, if a gift isn't given freely, it's not really a gift.
How do you determine how much to give?
4 comments:
ah, you want me to write a book? I think, first, of the great Carnegie debate; captain of industry or robber barron? This guy worked like hell and made money on the backs of immigrant and poor laborers and then ended his days with the reputation of giving it all away and promoting philanthropy. (Guess how I would answer the question - go ahead, guess).
I'm right with you, Jayme. We have so much and I struggle with how to use what we have to enrich our lives and growth (travel and experiences - and how about our 100 year old Steinway?) AND how much to give away. Do we give to the point of 'feel it?' 'hurt a bit' 'miss something we'd prefer to HAVE?'
I have struggled with this my whole adult life - which has been a life of MUCH more than I grew up with in the home of a single mom etc...
I have more to say about this, but I have a sick little one and am tired from rocking the little babe most of last night.
I don't have the answer, but I like the question and the ways in which it informs the transformation.
My husband, Matt, and I were having this conversation last night in light of our friend, David, who is still missing in Haiti. Why do we collect so much "stuff" when it can all come down in a minute?
On the other hand, I like stuff, I lived "poor" for my entire childhood and I didn't like it.
I am caught between serving where God has placed me (in wealthy America) vs "giving it all" and living a life of the poor.
I can't seem to find that balance yet!
Thanks for posting this. Very thought provoking!
Very, very good question.
For me, well, I am currently feeling trapped by my having so much because it is keeping me from the flexibility to do more on behalf of the bigger humanity in addition to the little humanities (2 adorable and loud little boys) within my own home.
It's quite difficult to change course midlife in this respect - best we get our kids on a more enlightened track. Too many damn toys.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/opinion/24kristof.html?hp
Read this.
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