Money money money

My kids are away to grandma's for the day and my husband and I had our bi-annual trip into the city centre on a shopping trip. Clothing, shoes overhaul Essential, but not a good experience.

I LOVE going into town and going round the shops. It's something I have done since I was about 14 years old; heading off "up the town" with my friends, wandering around shops, trying things on, picking things up, talking, laughing, chatting etc
I really enjoy this, even if I don't spend very much money.

However I don't physically go round the shops for pleasure very often now. A big reason for this is that browsing doesn't hold the same enjoyment when someone is shouting "I need a pee....NOW" or "I'm thirsty/hungry/bored/tired", "when are we going home" "what chocolate treat are you getting me" etc etc. Double those shouts by adding child # 2 to the mix and you'll even use online shopping for a pint of milk.....

I also hardly ever go because now, when I go, I feel rising feelings of "I wish"....."I wish I could afford that". "I like those". "if only I could get that, that and that". I feel a heightened vulnerability to become a slave to materialism, consumerism and pressure to conform.

* Is it because I am getting older and wish that I had nice things to make me feel young? I don't think so, I am not that impressionable.
* Is it because I now work for a church and have less money that I used to have to spend? Not really. I have what I need (but I'd never say no to more, in case anyone with influence is reading this :::grin::::)
* Is it because I have two children who need far more than I do because they grow out of things fast? Do they demand lots of the latest "in" things? No, not really (bless'em! They have learned that mum says "we can't have that; it's too expensive/we don't need it" and they genuinely seem accepting of that)
* Is it because the "spirit of this age" whch blinds the eyes and hearts of the unbelievers is at work even when a Christian goes shopping? Do I sound mad by saying "yes" I think it is? I think consumerism and the expectation to have/spend/throw away/upgrade is a strong and mighty force. I really feel it; as I walked round I could feel my heart wishing I could buy certain things and I had to CHOOSE to think "NO" and pray out that I have all that I need; that God is my provider; that I have all I need.

Wonder if I am alone in this? Is this unique to Christian women who go shopping? I don't get this feeling in Tesco's when doing the grocery shopping; just in all the lovely clothes/shoes/jewellery shops in the city centre. I admire Guacamole Girl because I know she resists this strongly in her shopping habits.

Thoughts, please!