A J On ... Lists

2020 brought Covid-19 to all. 2020 demanded attention to my health.  Lockdown has given me opportunities to appraise my life. Meditating and prayer have made me aware of how much I have ‘taken for granted’ all my life - possessions, people, services; of how hedonistic materialism has dominated my life; of too many years lost to action change. This came about because last Christmas I discovered the term ‘Amazon List’ and I asked myself a simple question - What is on my ‘Amazon List’?
What is not on the list is easier to understand. My list consists not of what would I like or think I would like (as in a list a child might write to Father Christmas) but what and who I am thankful to have in my life. The ‘Father Christmas’ or ‘Amazon List’ no longer exists. My list comprises of ‘what I have and for what I am truly grateful’. The ‘want’ list does not exist (except such altruism as clean water and sanitation for the world). The ‘need’ list or ‘assets’ list has reduced considerably. The ‘have’ list continues to overflow. I have what two-thirds of the world do not have.
I understand this is counter to ‘normal’ social interactions and may even be disconcerting to some. Let me cite a few examples :
* Buy a ‘Big Issue’ magazine instead of money spent on card, wrapping paper and postage
* Collect a set of hat, scarf and gloves for charities who help the homeless 
* Make a donation to your favourite charity 
* Buy two Fairtrade products - enjoy one yourself and give the other to a friend
* Send a text now and again, even if only to share a corny joke!
These are gifts gladly accepted and truly valued. Together we help someone else. Remember friendship is priceless.
Just my two penn'orth!
Take care
God bless
PS I am indebted to Molly and Ethan for explaining ‘Amazon Lists’.