Back to the Basics

While watching "West Wing" the other morning, a commercial caught my attention. It was the newest Allstate Insurance advertisement.



I really love this ad and the truth in it. As we face an economic crisis that is the worst our generation has seen, the basics- as Allstate put it- are becoming exceedingly important to our society. I find this to be true for myself. Learning to do without and make do with what I have, putting off something new and savoring what is already in my possession, treasuring consistency and what I know will always be, these are the lessons that are very real in our world right now.

Christmas seems like a good example to share. The Garcia family as a whole enjoys tradition. If we do something one time then we "have always done it this way" or we have to forever do it that way until the day we die. Well, this past Christmas we bought our tree from a different tree farm and the kids about had a cow. The reasoning behind going somewhere else was that the trees were cheaper, but the kids were not having it. It only got worse when Mom mentioned not putting up ALL of our Christmas decorations, making less work for her when the holiday was over. Mary Lou fell apart. The change with the tree was enough, not carrying on the traditions that didn't cost anything financially was too much for her. I could understand her thought process. Why change what doesn't cost anything? With the world around us changing and purses tightening, it seems only natural to hold close that which is dear.

With our floundering economy things such as Sunday afternoons with the family, giggling with sisters, Ultimate Frisbee in the park, long runs, family dinners, good books, and other timeless activities are beautiful and basic. And I for one appreciate the opportunity to experience and enjoy the basics.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never fail you nor forsake you." -Hebrews 13:5