I think I've said all this before, but was reminded again today...

[lisamoe]

R called me today and asked if he ought to get rid of the Little Tykes playground equipment that the boys never play on anymore.  I told him sure and that I would put on my homeschool lists* that someone could have it if they'd pick it up.  He was happy with that because we don't really have a way to move it and maybe someone else could use it.   The lady in the next office overheard me and called around the corner to ask what I was getting rid of and I told her and she looked shocked and said I should SELL it because it's still in good shape.   Personally,  I'd rather give it away.  People have been really good to us over the years with nice hand-me-down clothes and toys, and I'd rather pass that kindness along than try to make a few dollars off something we don't need anymore.   We've given away carseats, toys, clothes as we've outgrown them and I gave a hardly used crib away when it became clear Dingo was not going to sleep in a crib.  It's funny though, that I, basically an atheist, feel that way but I find a lot of people who are otherwise very moralistic about religion (and I'm not referring to anyone here, please don't think I am!!!) are also very mercenary in that way.  I mean, if you really needed the money, ok, but I've heard people who are doing fine financially opine that they'd rather get SOMETHING for their old stuff than just GIVE it away.   I don't really understand that.  Why not just help someone else instead of trying to get some tiny bit more cash you don't really need?   Isn't that a big part of Christianity, the charity and the valuing doing the right thing over trying to become wealthy in this world?  Or is all that "...sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven..."** stuff just a killjoy folks don't want to think about cause it's not as fun as raking in money?

Oh, and I want to say that I have good Christian friends who I feel try to liveup to the ideals they espouse and I'm not ragging on them, just on people who seem to notice all the scriptures that govern the things they don't like other people doing and bypass the ones that inconvenience them personally.

*If anyone here needs a Little Tykes playground set (good for about 2-6 year olds) I haven't put it on my other lists yet.

**Luke 18:22, lest you think I'm making things up.

Comments

[lefthand.livejournal.com]

For most people, religion is a lifestyle choice, not a belief set. They brought brand jesus and you know what kind of people wear brand jesus. Few can articulate their beliefs beyond a sentence or two and yet they believe themselves privileged as god's chosen few. For the most part, I take profession of strong religious belief as an indication that I should definitely avoid sleeping with that person.

[msbyn.livejournal.com]

That has always annoyed me about a lot of religious people as well.. I guess that's why I love our Pastor ~ who wrote a book called "Confessions of a Pastor" and one of the first chapters is called, "Why I hate most Christians"... for reasons just like those. Now, of course he goes on through the chapter saying he wasn't right for being judgemental and all that... but it was refreshing to ehar a Pastor say he was disgusted with the "typical" claiming to be CHristians set.

ALl that being said, we like to give away stuff too ~ simply because although we could use money, we have been blessed so many times over with gifts and hand me downs from others, we want to jsut pass it on... I agree with you wholeheartily... but my kids are too old:)

[lisamoe.livejournal.com]

I was thinking of you specifically when I said that I knew Christians who tried to live up to their ideals. You seem very genuine and authentic about your faith. (Not that you need my approval, obviously, but I wanted you to know.)

[just-blush.livejournal.com]

if you still are wanting to find a good home for the little tykes stuff, I would love to help. lol. I have twin grandsons that would just love it. Thanks,
blush

[lisamoe.livejournal.com]

Sure, I'll check with R and make sure he has it cleaned up and ready to go and then I'll email you or leave a comment. He lives just E of TU and it's easy to find.

[malik042249.livejournal.com]

Givign things away for the sake of giving and without expectation is a wonderful feeling. It warms the heart and makes the spirit light. I was in a hospital back in 1971 or so, after an accident, the hospital was several hundred miles from my home. There came a gentelman who was visiting someone in the same hospital. He stopped by my bed and asked how was I doing etc. After learning that I was there without my family, he gave me one hudred rupees (back then it would have been about $20). I protested but he told me that it was a gift. I don't believe that I shall ever be able to pay that money back regardless how much I give to stragners and others. It was a an act of random kindness and it continues to give and give. I am sure he has passed away (he was in his late fifties or so back then) but his generosity and spirit of giving touched me back then and it still shines in my heart from time to time. Your post broght that memory back. Thank you.

Malik

[jorjedatoy.livejournal.com]

Amen, sistah. Sometimes I want to sell stuff... but it is usually when we're awful tight. And then other times I just want to give stuff away. I hopt that doesn't make me a hypocrite.

Between this post & Malik's response, it makes me think of Pay It Forward.

[lisamoe.livejournal.com]

I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with selling your things. They're your things, yanno? But when you have the opportunity to do good and it's not even going to cost you much, you do that, right? Anyway, if you need the money for your family, that would obviously be a priority, plus I haven't ever heard you doing any Bible thumping either, so I don't think it could be hypocrisy as such.

[dragontamerbrat.livejournal.com]

Hey, Jim says yes to the car work. Email me privately, dragontamerbrat@yahoo.com