We are the rich man in the parable

In sunday's message Steve gave us an example of how rich we (Americans) really are and put some things a little more into perspective for me. He read a recently conducted statistic that shows the following (and more):
- The US is 6% of the world's population, but we use 40% of its resources
- Only 8% of people who live in this world can afford to have/drive a car
- One billion people in this world do not have clean drinking water
So I have been thinking about it.. Gosh, we are really blessed! One thing that comes to mind also is the parable of the rich man and the beggar in Luke 16. I cannot help but but draw a parallel between us as the rich man and the 3rd world as the beggar.
The story does not end very happily for the rich man and I think that we are very likely to end up the same way if we don't do everything in our power to help the "beggar" of this world. The rich man lets the beggar have the crumbs of bread that fall from his table. But that's really just a lame gesture to use as an excuse to have actually done something to help the beggar. It's the rich man's "junk" - the stuff he doesn't want.
As the rich man in this world, we have to give more than is convenient to us. And especially not just our junk! It's still better not to waste what someone else still might be able to use. But to do this right, we need to invite the beggar to sit at our table and enjoy the meal with us. And we need to take care of him, fix up his wounds give a bed, a bath, clean clothes.
I understand that there's a lot of things already being done out there and I'm very happy for that. But there is just so much that still can and needs to be done. Myself included, we live in our own individual worlds and would rather have the newest gadget than help someone else in some 3rd world country get food for a month or clean water or maybe some medical aid.
I think when we start living more outside of our comfort zone to help someone in need, the closer the true kingdom of God will come into this world.

how can TV become an idol?

Yes, I've just finished my first accelerated quarter at the Art Institute. Five and a half weeks instead of eleven, but twice as fast. Now I have three weeks off until the next quarter starts. That means more work at Starbucks. But it also means having more free time. Sadly, I've realized, it also means more time to be doing nothing.
Most of my time is being spent in front of TV watching movies and series that I'm not really interested in. Finally, these days I've been coming to my senses. TV and the programming of the many stations have been dictating my life. When will I go out to buy groceries? Usually after I’ve seen this episode of “Law and Order”, and maybe even after the next one.
When I find myself doing this day by day, that’s when I need to watch out and learn to just switch it off. I can’t lat this device, that’s now become an idol; dictate the pace of my life.
As I was telling Gina today, maybe I should go out more, like to the beach, maybe pick up surfing. Yeah, right… Surfing!

It's done!!

Woohoo, it finally all worked out! I mean, going to the Art Institute. And of course getting approved for the student loan. So on Thrusday, May 11th, I had my first class, Fundamental of Design. Very interesting.. I am so excited!