The Lure of the 55"er....

I used to LOVE Black Friday! There was nothing more exhilarating than getting up at 4:00 A.M. with a hot cup of coffee and merging full blast on the highway with thousands of other people to get in line at our favorite store to get that cool gift, for way way cheaper. Even though women got crazy and things went way overboard, it was somewhat of a rush and a very fun tradition with my mom and sister to shop all morning and then crash all evening. But that tradition was forced to change.

As I was driving on the highway to take my son to hockey practice, I noticed a billboard from a popular store boasting how they would now be open at THURSDAY, AT 4 P.M. For whatever reason, this didn't sit well with me. It didn't even say open THANKSGIVING at 4 P.M, it was now just THURSDAY. Why is Thanksgiving getting kicked to the curb? The one day that families and friends get together to disconnect from the world and connect with each other is getting taken over by the world and all its desires. Believe me, if I'm getting a TV for someone for Christmas and I see a 55" one on sale for $199, I can see and understand the big pull to tent it at Best Buy. But we need to start pulling back and standing up for family time and things that matter most. Besides, that TV won't even last 2 years nowadays.

The world and its schedule brings so many distractions each day, from electronics that take the place of parent/child interaction, to sports practices that take away from family dinner and Sunday worship, to stress and fatigue that can distract us from those we love. Some conspiracy theorists even say it's just a plan to loosen the family unit and its values. Very well could be. But it doesn't have to be. Take a stand to not be standing in line on Thanksgiving.

I applaud the stores that acknowledge that their employee's families should always come before their profits. In a world that is becoming increasingly greedy, it's so good to see companies with strong ethics and integrity for what really matters and that close their doors. For me, on THANKSGIVING at 4 P.M, the only door I will be anxious to enter is my sisters, where we will all gather to pray, eat amazing food, and laugh all night long. That is what is most precious. Friday shopping for me may not be as productive,as everything will have already been ripped from the shelves, and all my coupons will now be useless, but the memories from the night before I will cling tightly to.

"For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world."

1 John 2:16