I fixed my wheelbarrow today. It took me a couple of hours to do it. And everything that we consider “normal” in our society and economy says that was a silly thing to do.
You see, my wheelbarrow is old and dingy. I am supposed to put it on the curb and the good people of China Grove Public Works(1) would pick it up and take it someplace I am supposed to never, ever think about. Ace or Lowe’s or Home Depot would be happy to sell me a shiny new wheelbarrow, which I can easily afford. And per Zorg’s broken-glass theory of economic development, there would be a dance of commerce and some workers at a wheelbarrow factory in China work earn money to feed their itty-bitty babies, thus contributing to the Circle of Life.
Not only that, but to spend so much time on it doesn’t make economic sense. The last time I saw a number for the value of my billable hours was about 15 years ago, and 2 hours of that would be way more than the cost of a wheelbarrow.
But I don’t need a new wheelbarrow. Aside from a tiny bit of rust, all the hardware is good, even the wheel is pretty new: the solid kind that doesn’t go flat. The new handles I made aren’t pretty, but the bracing is sturdy and it works better than new.
See, I don’t like just tossing something just because it is old, or there is a newer model available, or even that I don’t need it any more. There is something that strikes me as wasteful, even wicked about that. Oh, it isn’t that I make a religion of it or anything: it would take serious doing to really run counter to our disposable culture. Still, I believe mindfulness is worthwhile. To simply ignore that which is uncomfortable makes one blind to alternative possibilities.
Plus, I enjoyed fixing the wheelbarrow. I might not be good at it — I am in awe at the skill of some of my cousins — but there is a joy in making something usable again, and working with my hands is soothing to my mind.
I hate yardwork though. I pay Mr. Mendoza to come around and do the lawn. ¡Qué Diós les bendiga Señor Mendoza y sus trabajadores! The only way money can really buy happiness is when you can pay someone to do something you really don’t want to do.
I’m not thrifty, either. We buy things that are, frankly, luxuries. I’ll pay extra to support local small business and farmers, especially in these times. And I am a strong believer that one should give at least as much from one’s wealth as is needed to assure that money does not dominate you. I think I get some of this from my mother, a child of the Great Depression who would absolutely buy nice things, was extravagant with her children, especially in our education and activities, but would pick up a lamp or table from the curb if she thought she could find a use for it.
So what would happen if everyone were less wasteful? If we were neither miserly nor extravagant? If we did not covet or steal? If a dramatic decline in consumer discretionary spending will collapse our economy, perhaps we need a new economy, one that can say “enough!”. If we don’t need more stuff, we should not be forcing people all over the world to produce more. If we value people only according to what they can produce, then accepting that things are disposable without thought or consideration inevitably leads to the notion that people are disposable without thought or consideration. Truly, you cannot serve both God and Money.
Those who had been baptized devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
— from Acts 2
Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.
From the Baptismal Covenant:
Celebrant: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
— From the Baptismal Covenant
People: I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People: I will, with God’s help.
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(1) — Really, China Grove has a terrific Public Works department. I am thankful for all they do to keep our town in good shape.
