I learned an important lesson last week. We were cleaning out some things from our downstairs and had put in a pick-up call to Goodwill. As my wife was giving them a list regarding any larger items, which included two TVs, she discovered that they don’t accept TVs anymore. She assured them that they are in perfect working condition. Nope, they don’t take them. She thought that surely someone would – nope – not Salvation Army, not Disabled Veterans, not anyone.
Now you may be thinking – “Ok, so what’s the big deal?” Well, one of the TVs, while it is big and very heavy, unlike the light weight flat-screens of today, cost over $1,000 twenty plus years ago. But now it is worth nothing? Did I mention that it works as well as when it was new? Yet, no one will take it. But we did discover that Best Buy will accept it for recycling . . . if we pay them $25. Nothing like adding insult to injury.
It is one thing to put too much stock and value in a silly TV. But I have even seen couples who would have a “no holds barred” battle over which TV to purchase in the first place. They might be inclined to verbally and emotionally take each other out at the knees for something that in a few years is worthless. Or how often do we overemphasize our position in an argument with our spouse? Winning the argument takes precedence over communicating love; or getting our way is more important than being kind.
The question we have to ask ourselves is, “What has lasting value?” Is it the battle over where we go on vacation or is it the heart and soul of the one with whom we are vacationing?” We probably know the answer – this week let’s try to give life to that answer.