I had a great day today. It started with Mass, then a nice leisurely morning void of responsibilities. Thanksgiving dinner was at my sister's house with her family, her in-laws, and my other sister's family too. It was great, and I love being around my nieces and nephews. Then in the evening, I went to an aunt's house to see a gathering of extended family. I left there around 8:15.
As I drove down Bel Air Blvd, I passed Toys R Us, and I saw the line. Well over a hundred people were waiting in line for the store to open at 9:00. Now, I haven't been living under a rock; I knew well in advance that a bunch of stores were opening late on Thanksgiving as a jumpstart to Black Friday. I thought it was absurd and extreme, though I didn't really think much about it.
Seeing it was different. It was shocking. I had just left a wonderful family gathering, an evening well spent. Next thing I know, I'm witnessing hundreds of people wasting that precious family time, and for what? Saving some money on Christmas shopping? Do you really think that getting the best toy at the lowest price for your family is more important than being with your family?
Well, you might say, "maybe the whole family was there; it was a family event." Really? Standing in line waiting to get the best deals is the best "family time" you can come up with? Stay home and play a game or watch a movie or something, anything.
Go shopping tomorrow. Is nothing sacred?
I just posted this on Facebook: If people were as dedicated to their relationships, to their kids, to their spouses, to their jobs, to their church and most of all to God, as they are to shopping on Black Friday the world would be a better place. If people would camp outside of the church to hear the word of God with the same enthusiasm they have to shop at Wal- Mart or to find a deal, the world would be a better place.
ReplyDelete- Deaushay Watts
As I drove away from my sister's house Thanksgiving night I also drove past a Toys R Us and thought the same thing. Then I went past Target and the line was even longer! It's a sad manifestation of people's priorities...
ReplyDeleteNice blog! Are you now in Mobile?