An open letter to my son - Part 12

You need very few things.  A need is something you have to have.  If you want to know what you need, take a mission trip to Africa.  Go to a remote village.  See what the villagers have.  See what it takes for them to survive . . . that's what you need.  Food, water, shelter, air . . . that's about it.

Everything else is a want.  When all your real needs are met, it common for the wants to suddenly become "needs".

Most people think they "need" smart phones and a car.  Don't become baffled by popular culture.  Most things in your life are nothing more than a luxury.

Stay grateful.  Don't be a glutton.  Realize the stark contrast between needs and wants.