EVERYTHING IN MODERATION

We are always hearing that anything is ok, as long as it is in moderation. Here in the states we are guilty of not knowing what moderation is. We are given so many choices and live in an "indulge yourself" society where over indulgence is a sign of status, just as it was in the Rueben period when being chubby or overweight was the saught-after look.

We had an exchange student from Israel when my kids were in high school. One of the things that impressed him about the United States was our grocery stores. He was amazed to see aisle after aisle of products and whole aisles dedicated to one particular item such as cereal. In Israel they might have 3 or 4 cereal choices to pick from.

My son has been in Greenland and he will attest to the fact that there are very little selections in the grocery stores there. He has had to deprive himself of the abundance he has grown up with, but that is his choice. But what about us? What about our choice to live over and above moderation? I, for one, am as much guilty as that as is the next person. What about us if the abundance was taken from us......could we live without complaining?

Why do we have to have 50 choices in cereals when we generally always buy the same product each shopping trip. Why do we have to go into debt for more "toys", just because they are offered to us? Why do we have to work and play beyond what is considered in moderation? Why do we have to eat so much that we have become a nation of obese people? Do we HAVE to have all this to survive?

The answer lies in the fact that we DO have so many choices, that we DO have so much offered to us, that we DO want to indulge. I wonder if it is because we are seeking something that these things offer a temporary high for, that we take just because it is offered to us, that is has become a status symbol here in the states to have over and above what is needed for a comfortable survival.

The key word is here is "moderation? What exactly is moderation? The dictionary defines moderation as: a moderating, or bringing within bounds; avoidance of excesses or extremes
absence of violence; calmness; restraint; temperance; lenity; balance. Interpretations of the word "moderation" are relative. What one person may think is in moderation, the next person might find it to be excessive or a denial of what is due us.

The secret here is to live in balance. The sin here is to live in the United States, where there is so much offered us on a daily basis, and not appreciate what IS offered to us. The sin is to expect this kind of wealth as something that is expected in our world and what is owed to us. If you think this way, then take a look around you....at the real world and be thankful we live in our little piece of the world.

ANSWER TO LAST TRIVIA QUESTION: Whose twin sister was "Dear Abby"? Ann Landers
TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION: What was the name of Caroline Kennedy's pet pony? THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.