An Abundance of Stuff

 AN ABUNDANCE OF STUFF

 

“And He [Jesus] said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness,

for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

(Luke 12:15, NKJV)

 

In his book, “Movie Anecdotes,” Peter Hay wrote how, “At the turn

of the century, actress Alla Nazimova was one of this country's earliest stars.

Unlike many of her colleagues, Nazimova did not become trapped by a

glamorous lifestyle.”

 

“Her perspective on material things changed the day a fire swept

through her Hollywood neighborhood. As the fire moved ever closer

to her home, Nazimova ran from room to room, searching for her

most valuable possessions to save.”

 

“To her surprise, none of her pretty furnishings and knick-knacks

mattered to her at that moment. The only things she took with her

were a few photographs. The fire never reached Nazimova's house,

but when she returned to it, nothing felt the same.”

 

“She began getting rid of her possessions, and reported greater happiness

with less things.”*

 

Suggested prayer, “Dear God, please help me to realize that relationships

are much more important than things… as is to love people and use things

and not the other way around. And above all, help me to love you above

all else. Gratefully in Jesus' name. Amen.”

 

* From the personal collection of inspirational speaker King Duncan,

www.goodstories.com. Rewritten by Angela Akers, author of The O+ Plus Factor.