When you’re still thinking about a book five years after you’ve read it, it’s a good book. Just as often as I think about buying something new, I think about not buying it, too. That’s when Judith Levine’s book comes to mind.

"Not Buying It: My Year Without Shopping" is the story of a social experiment. Can one woman go a full year buying only a few staple items in the food category? No new clothes, no meals out at a restaurant, not even a single holiday gift for somebody else. The author takes us through her exploration into her values system and spending habits, which in turn caused me to think about my own.

I can say; five years later, I’ve retained the lessons from this book. I shop more thoughtfully. I better appreciate the purchases made. I am more intentional about living my life with less. Because of all this, my spiritual life has grown and having more has taken on new meaning.

Bring Treasures to My Life

A bottle of Coke, an ice cream cone,
a new pair of shoes, a red leather bag.
All beautiful types of treasures.

The touch of my man, a hug from my kids,
laughter on the phone with my friend,
photographs of my mom.
All good too, but real treasures?
Were these the riches
You have intended?

Help me to find true contentment
by being me and finding out
what that means.
The treasures I seek are Your solace
and knowing my purpose
is the treasure I seek.
Thank You for the treasure that will sustain me.

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