Anonymous
“The meaning of the word ‘harmony’ is ‘agreement’, ‘congruity,’ ‘combination or arrangement of parts to form consistent and orderly whole’.”
This is meant to be a reflection where I must carefully make choices that are pleasing to the Lord. While He provides guidance, the ultimate decision is mine. If I splurge then I am unhappy and/or guilty of not discharging my duty as a responsible citizen and conscientious parent among several other expectations.
My smartphone was dead. The repair man stated he would charge a fee only if he revived it. But he could not. A quick search on the Internet helped me to narrow down what would meet my requirement — be acceptable. 4G, Android 7, Gmail, Twitter, WhatsApp, Laudate (for daily Mass readings) WordWeb (dictionary) SMS. Decided not to add other apps until I felt that I was missing something. Purchased a smartphone for 6K. It performs all the above stated requirements flawlessly. Must be charged once a day. Connect to socket once the 15% trigger alarm rings and charge until 100% usually two hours. The power bank is always available if I am out of the house.
The laptop in use is over a year old. It has Windows 10 and 64GB microSD card which still has ample space. Anyone who needs more space can choose Dropbox. It is better to reconsider before saving, most often not. Just cluttering storage space for no benefit.
The desktop is over nine years – regularly upgraded hardware and Linux software. Printer, scanner and copier. While unnecessary it is a good to have equipment especially when copies are required outside normal shop business hours. Haven’t felt the need to connect a webcam as other devices are used for video chat. The second TV was never connected with cable and had to be donated in order to use space that it blocked. We had to jointly agree that every one got a fair share of TV-cable time. Compromises are difficult and we learn disappointment every now and then. Wrestling is not permitted. Kabbadi (personal dislike because it is wild sport) allowed to show competitive spirit but am I being fooled? This is entertainment, we learn nothing. Since I am broadminded/flexible (other family members would disagree with this characterization), I allow my children to watch although this is a very repulsive sport perhaps enjoyed only by bullies.
The car is used for about an hour and a half per day. Is there a need to have another one although there are four adults soon to be five in less than a year? Shared use takes adjustment but has worked well for us so far. Usually take public transportation if I’m unsure of getting a parking slot. Since the car is a Maruti, it is the last car to be brought out when valet parking — so I don’t bother anymore. Go down to basement three and park comfortably where no one is around to rush me if I must really take the car out.
A day bus pass costs Rs 65 with a loyalty card (Rs 100) valid for three years. Otherwise, it costs Rs 70 per day with a valid government ID. In our area, cars are towed at very quick intervals. If one is able bodied enough to walk the several flights of stairs when the escalator is unavailable, Metro offers a good option. But it is full of people morning and evening – only standing space is available. No garbage stink and nice scenery is a worthwhile benefit. The fare is cheap for the comfortable ride but that could change soon.
Children’s clothes when not torn or worn out can be passed on to the younger cousins. Looking prim and proper is paramount if I wish to project a happy Christian. Marketeers send messages to say that if I buy their product I will be happy or be better than others. Do I need to succumb? Do I really suffer an inferiority complex that will make me prey to an unscrupulous vendor. God has provided me with the abundant life and that does not mean that I must consume or use the latest – most expensive gadgets to live a good life and be an effective witness. If I worship money there will never be enough to make me sufficiently happy.
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