what are you watching?

What is it that you want out of life? What do you hope for, dream about...what drives you to get out of bed each morning? What are you working for, living for?

For most of us, I am guessing that our lives revolve around shallow wants and desires--things that are important to us, but not truly necessary for life.

I have about a million different hobbies, ways to pass time, exert energy, devote time and attention, and spend money. Most of the time I find myself in some stage of GAS: Gear Acquisition Syndrome.

I am convinced that ebay feeds that addiction. I know it does for me.

Right now I'm in a constant state of looking for a Karmann Ghia. My grandfather drove one, and I want one like his. This desire is driven by the gas crunch and nostalgia, but there's something deeper.

Before the Ghia, I was watching kayaks. Before that, it was Wayfarer sunglasses. Or high-end acoustic guitars, or roller hockey goalie gear, or backpacks, or laptops, or running shoes, NCAA baseball jerseys, or something else.

I don't often pull the trigger. Most of the time it's the thrill of the hunt that makes it sort of fun. Where can I find the best deal, the biggest savings, the scoop...but I think that the constant looking, the endless want, the relentless pursuit of something else/new is indicative of an issue that I need to address.

It might be called lust, or greed, or consuming consumerism, or a lack of contentment. It flies in the face of the things Jesus taught, runs counter to the simple life that I know would make life, well, simpler.

What's the solution?

What about you? What are you looking for? What's on your Items I'm Watching list?