Pecan Picking and Capitalism
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I have five large pecan trees in my yard. This year they happened to produce a large harvest so I’ve picked up close to 150 pounds. One day, when goofing off on FaceBook, I put it out there that if people wanted to pay for the shipping, I would send them a box full of pecans.
I had already provided my family and friends with all they could pretty much want, as well as any people who have stopped by and asked to pick some up. I have had folks ask me “why don’t you sell them?” After all, shelled pecans are going for about 18 bucks a pound.
Here are a few of my reasons why: One, I just happened to move into this house with huge 100 year old pecan trees. They are not really mine. I’m sure some folks would say that the effort I took gathering them should be compensated. My doctor wanted me to get more exercise, and walking around my yard has given me time to think about a lot of different things. People have been really grateful and excited about their pecans and that makes me happy.
It bothers me, however, that as Americans it seems like everything has become some sort of transaction. When you meet new people, they ask: “what do you do,” as if the thing you do for money defines who you are. I am currently not working. I take care of my family, take care of my health, do some writing, and try to do small things to help spread a little joy in the world. I feel that if you let your job, or the amount of money you make define who you are as a person, you are a sad individual.
If your first thought about those things in your life is about what they are worth in tangible terms, you are missing a lot of the real beauty of the world. I would love to see America go through a fundamental change, where we stopped worrying about stuff, about money, and started focusing on people and experiences.
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Nice post. It does seem that everything has become about $$ and so commercialized. Just look around us right now and what do we see for the holidays. BTW, I just drove through SE Georgia and noticed many Hispanics picking left over pecans off the ground from trees along the roads and placing them in huge plastic cans. I was wondering if this was for themselves or to sell, but either way, I thought it was nice they were allowed to do this.
Love those pecans! Hey man you can send me a couple of bags 🙂 Good points behind the story as well dude.
I’m with you Robynn, as far as everything being some kind of financial transaction. Anytime I am asked what do you do, my only reply is… about what.
Jesus has blessed you with an abundant harvest and I hope you don’t squander his good will.
Um, no Jesus had nothing to do with it, unless he is helping out picking pecans and getting them to people. The land gave up the bounty and Robynn has decided to share that bounty with others, for no other reason than goodness of heart.