Saturday, November 25, 2006

Noise, hurry, & crowds

I am not a Black Friday shopper every year. I prefer hunting presents throughout the year to avoid the crazniess. I usually have a few things left in November and will join in the holiday shopping scene after Thanksgiving with my Mom. This year, there was a particular item my husband really wanted on sale at Target (love Target!) for half off. So, my Mom and I got up and headed there at 6am--only for my hubby! I could not believe the line--it was SO long. As I stood there for 15 minutes waiting for them to open, I was really disappointed to see the behavior of grown adults--some trying to rush in and cut line, and others yelling at the line cutters. It really made me sad to see how many people have distorted this season, and Satan scores a victory in distracting us from Christ.

As I was reflecting later in the day, I was reminded of a quote from one of my favorite books, Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. He wrote:

In contemporary society our Adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry, and crowds. If he can keep us engaged in "muchness" and "manyness," he will rest satisfied.

This applies to life at all times. Our society always seems rushed and busy, with devastating effects on our families, our children, and ourselves! If we are not careful, we Christians, can be swept away with the chaotic flow, as well. I believe that I must make a conscious decision to purpose to not go with that flow. It is hard many times, but so necessary.

I want to challenge myself during this season in particular to not get too distracted by "muchness" and "manyness," but to "be still and know He is God."

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just came across a reference to that book by Richard Foster in another book I'm reading. Nice to hear your positive opinion of it; I'll have to check it out. I too hope to avoid the muchness and manyness that accompany this time of year. Good post!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the great reminder! I think we lose our focus so easily when we are surrounded by the crowd and noise as you say. May we remember the amazing love of Christ throughout this whole holiday season, even when we find ourselves in line at Target!

Anonymous said...

Great words which I will hold on to. Aren't these words our culture screams at us..."muchness" and "manyness"?
Good things to think about!

Paula said...

WOW! So wonderful and words I need to hear. I think of homeless often this time of the year. I know they would trade places with me in a heart beat to just have a home and family. So all the other things just don't matter.
BTW~I DO NOT shop on Friday either. I would rather pay extra to avoid the crowds. I guess that is why I love catalogues.

Kimber said...

What a great post.

I have done Black Friday in the past - but NOT this year....I don't like the NOISE, HURRY or CROWDS!!!

I love Richard Foster's quote - it is so so so true - and I know that I have been quilty of giving into the NOISE, HURRY and CROWDS in my life too - thanks for the reminder to slow down, rest, and be quiet :)

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Hen Jen said...

You touched on some great truths. The quote was so right on. I try my best to stay away from the malls during this time, it is so stressing and depressing.
It's been a long time since I read Celebration of Discipline, I think I need to go get a copy.

blessings,
Jenny in Ca