In 1950 the average size of a new home was 983 square feet – to house a family with 3.37 people.

Today the average size of a new home is 2,480 square feet – to house a family of 2.6 people.

We, and our stuff, take up three times more space than we used to – thank God we’re so much happier!

Except we’re not. Studies show our happiness has flat lined, and one recent study even linked consumption with aberrant, antisocial behavior.

As Christians we’re not surprised by this. We know what really makes us happy is serving others.

This Sunday we will hear the story of Mary who gave and gave to Jesus - and Judas, whose obsession with money caused him to criticize her. And you and I are challenged to ask ourselves if we’re spending more time pursuing money and things and less time pursuing relationships and connections?

We ask right now: how can we love and serve those immediately around me – and let go of our anxieties surrounding things? What can we do right now to release our worry over possessions, believe that God will take care of us, and concentrate on those around us who are hurting and really need us?

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Suggested Reading

Leaders Make the Future – Bob Johansen

Jesus – Marcus Borg

Daring Greatly – Brene Brown