The Cadillac

Growing up, our family always had 'sensible' cars, Fords or Chevys.  One time my brothers and I saw a big Cadillac and went on and on about how beautiful it was.  We had absolutely no idea of cost comparison between cars, we just knew that 'rich' people owned Cadillacs.  Daddy told us, "I could afford a Cadillac.  I just can't afford the things that go with it."

Daddy was a man of few words but they always seemed wise.  That comment of his has stayed with me all these years.  He was correct, if you consider that living up to the 'wealthy' image consists of more than a particular brand of car.  A rich person should (in our childhood opinions) dress the part (women must wear long fur coats!) and patronize expensive stores and restaurants, take vacations to far-away places, etc.  So, while Daddy may have afforded the Cadillac car payment, which now I seriously doubt he could have, at the time, he couldn't afford all the other expectations for a wealthy appearance.

I wonder how many of us over-budgeted and maxed-out credit card carrying Americans have ever realized what we're doing?  We buy this luxury and that luxury on credit, hoping there's not a rainy day coming our way, and then work too hard to pay them off (I'm not pointing fingers, I've been there before).  Do we think we're 'rich?'  Are we acting like we're 'rich?'  Why do we always have to own the latest of any new gadget?  What was wrong with the old one?

Definitely I don't fit in with the Consumer Culture of America - buy, buy, buy!!!  Sometimes it's hard to be good stewards of our resources, but you sleep better at night if you're not juggling bills to pay credit cards!

Lord, we ought to realize that each and every object we possess, and also our good character qualities come from you!  We hope to do our best to be good caretakers of all our blessings!