It Could Be Better Spent

I'm a little frustrated with the criticism I've heard on the lavishness of the Royal Wedding, coming from people who argue the money "could  have been spent better."  I recognize literally hundreds of thousands of dollars went toward Kate and William's ceremony, but who are we to decide whether it was "too much" of their money? The Middleton's and the royal family paid for the entire thing, except the English-taxpayer-funded security, and whether or not the cost was "worth it" is relative to the means of those families.

So, why are we tempted to look at the choices of others, cluck our tongues, and decide their luxuries are excessive? We, who don't have as much, label their ceremonies "too expensive." But those with less than us could judge us the same way.

I referenced Lisa Samson in a post a few days ago, with her quote, "Just because I write words that bring people closer to God doesn't mean I don't have to lift my finger to help those who are in need."  During that same interview, she talked about her tendency to "judge people with granite countertops."  She told me granite represents excess to her--for whatever reason. It's the status symbol which seems inappropriate to her. How people can justify paying extra for them when the money could be better spent? 

BUT, she recognized not everyone is convicted about granite countertops...and, more importantly, there always will be something we do which another person considers "excessive."

You who think the royal wedding was "too much:" did you elope in a courthouse? Or did you invite guests, buy a few flowers, eat cake, and even go on a honeymoon?  Was even THAT necessary? Do you have more than one car? More than one outfit? More than one pair of shoes? How do you justify those things when there are people who have none?

I agree, resources are wasted daily across the globe. And ALL of us can do much, much, much more sacrificing than we do, for the benefit of the truly needy.

But here's a crazy thought:  instead of obsessing over our neighbors across the pond, and how they spend their money, why don't we start with our own excesses?