It's the Little Things...

It’s been said that if you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of the world. If you have money in the bank, your wallet, and some spare change you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.

It’s a sobering thought.

I don’t generally view myself as being wealthy. I think I have lived so much of my life struggling to make ends meet and living on an overdraft that it’s still a shock to realise I have money in the bank at the end of the month.

In a culture that urges us to buy, horde, and store, it does us all good to take an inventory of all the things we have. Instead of comparing ourselves to the growing, grasping elite of millionaires and billionaires, we should look instead at the 92% of the world who are not as fortunate as we are.

I was challenged this week by the pastor of my church. We are in the middle of a series of sermons on the Lord’s Prayer and this week was “Give us this day…” It’s easy to gloss over this part because I can’t remember the last time – if ever – I worried about where my next meal was coming from. I have food in my cupboard to last weeks if necessary. But Matt pointed out, the phrase doesn’t say “me” but “us”. When I pray this, I am asking for all those who are struggling to put food on the table, or clothes on their backs.

And sometimes, we are called to be the answer to our own prayers by giving out of the abundance we already have and sharing our wealth with those who have none.

But we also have to look at the bigger picture. There is something very wrong when a few people are hoarding the majority of the world’s wealth. Greed and selfishness are toxic traits that are prevalent in our society. Such attitudes are encouraged every day. You only have to count the number of ads for gambling sites, lotteries, and game shows with big cash prizes. The message is clear. You need more, and if you haven’t got it, you’re missing out.

It’s a poison that is killing us.

These themes are highlighted in my standalone urban fantasy novel, The Infilling. What happens when people hoard what they have? When greed takes over and people demand more for themselves? The impact is devastating for individuals, communities, and the entire world. But the solution starts with a few people who decide to do what is right and good by living with open hands.

It’s a lesson I need to keep reminding myself of. But it doesn’t just apply to my life. I have to use what I have to make a difference to others. Right now, I have a chance to vote in local elections.

Historically, they are never highly attended elections which feels sad because so much of our lives are decided by councils – from street lighting and dustbin collections to budgets and policy. I could look at my very small world and vote for the person who is going to make my life easier, or I could vote for someone who is trying to make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate than me.

I can use my voice to speak up for others.

So next time you find yourself grumbling about all the things you haven’t got, take a moment to rethink your perspective. All of us have things we can be thankful for. Take time to look at the little things and you will discover, you are richer than you thought.

You can find the The Infilling here.