What is a first world problem? As a person of faith enjoying the holiday season, I’ve had a lot of recent opportunities to ask myself that question.
We took my grandson Max and his best friend Michael to a pro hockey game last night. It was our birthday gift to Max for his eleventh birthday. The boys were excited.
The Chicago Blackhawks may have lost the game, but they were winners in presenting a spectacular evening of sport, music, flashing lights and unending refreshments.
Our little party of four consumed four waters, two lemonades, three cheeseburgers, one BBQ beef sandwich with coleslaw on the side, one turkey sandwich on an onion roll with swiss cheese, two orders of french fries, one order of sweet potato fries, one bag of potato chips, two chocolate ice cream cups. The price tag? You don’t want to know, and I don’t want to think about it – or admit it.
The question for my family, is not how to fill empty stomachs but how to avoid overfilling them. We are blessed to live in a part of the world where food is abundant.
How can I help my family appreciate their lot? Is it possible for us to face our “first world problems” with the proper perspective?
I acknowledge that every one of God’s children has problems, regardless of geography and circumstance. I pray that this holiday season we can all take a step back to joyfully celebrate what we have, and to step up and pray with sincerity for those who lack. Praise to the Lord our God who answers prayers.
Blessings and Love,
Susan