Fasting from luxury !

I took time today to take note of the beginnings of the bud stages in the Lily plants. 

These beginnings are for the blooming of flowers shortly. The plants bring gift of the flowers to the garden to all those who  have eyes to see,  heart to behold and mind to feel the mystery of love. The plant in one sense brings its mindful offerings to those who would receive it. 

I noticed that an English daily newspaper we subscribe to had an eight page supplement today,  highlighting the different consumer products, creature comforts and festive benefits on purchases. The appeal in those pages was to consume and feel the luxury of living! The different articles and advertisements exalted the reasons to seek wealth and luxury. It was a call to spend lavishly in the year end and usher in the new year in plentiful material comfort!

The Lilies that I watched in the garden was giving me message of giving !

These are divergent world views- consuming and giving !

I pondered over it in my attitude and practice! Is my life centred on getting whatever I can, taking more than what I need and live in false belief of my rights to have what I want! 

Or does my life have a place for others whose needs are many and for whom I can offer something !

I wonder if people on earth would consider December as a giving month and a fasting month from luxury !

Think of  all those who died, displaced and lost houses and property  during the recent cyclone in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and coastal Tamil Nadu and people living below the subsistence level in Gaza and Ukraine during  this winter season ! 

I hope it would prompt some to make the month of December a fasting moth from luxury and be generous in giving to those a gift of love which would bring a relief to them !

God is giving and earth is giving; therefore life's call is for giving! 

M.C.Mathew (text and photo)