Minute Message  : The Flag's Dropped

Publication Date: 12/7/96



	I don't know about you, but last week I felt at times that I

was about to witness the Indy 500(*). All the cars lined up for

the flag to drop to begin the race.



	Two days previous to Thanksgiving, I saw advertisements

stating "We will be open from 6 A.M. to 11 P.M. for your shopping

convenience." Others gave a starting time of 7 A.M. or some other

time. It was to be the official start of the Christmas shopping

season. (No fair fudging, no one gets to start early, you must

begin on the Friday after Thanksgiving!)

	

	All of this leaves me a bit uncomfortable. This is the time

of year when people almost drown themselves in debt. They will

take the next eleven months (or more) to pay off what they charge

in the next 28 days. Does that make sense to you? People say this

is the season of giving. That is true, but don't fall into the

trap of thinking your love can be measured in dollars. Your love

for others should have been shown all year, not now.



	My wife asked me what I want for Christmas. (Notice she said

"want" and not "need") Most of us will receive what we want, not

need. Do you think that is worth incarcerating yourself for

eleven or more months of debt? Do you think God would want you to

do that? I can assure you, He would not.



	Will I see you tomorrow?



Norman Russell

2761 Broadway

North Bend Oregon USA  97459



Editor's Note:

(*) The "Indy 500" is a popular 500 lap motor car race which runs

at the Indianapolis, Indiana USA motor speedway and attracts

enormous crowds of spectators.