What a Waste

I read an article this week that stated Americans waste anywhere from $2 Billion to $5 Billion each year in gift cards.  They get them, and then lose them or never use them.
 
My first reaction was to scoff at the foolish folks that miss out on getting "free" stuff.  "It's like throwing money away," I said aloud as I read the article.

But halfway though, I remembered the Macy's gift card I had sitting around since last year.  

And the Best Buy gift card I got for Christmas. 

I got up and nervously looked around for them - hoping to find both so I didn't become part of the dreaded statistic.   

Fear not, friends.  I found them.  

Along with cards for Sears, Barnes and Noble, and Kohl's.  

"Technically, I haven't wasted these yet, since they are still valid," I said, trying to convince myself I wasn't part of the group I had just looked down on.

Flash forward to this weekend's Pentecost Mass.  

Our priest echoed today's readings in his homily, reminding us of the gifts given to us by God, and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. 

"I guess I better start looking for those," I thought, "before I let those go to waste as well ...."


A Blessed Pentecost to all of you.  God Bless.