We're a little over a week away from Black Friday, and although the popular post-Thanksgiving day shopping binge may be high, all signs are pointing to a slow wave of consumer spending for the holidays this year. Best Buy CEO Brad Anderson said last week that this holiday season is "the most difficult climate we've ever seen."

I have mixed emotions. On one hand, I'm a little nervous about how spending slow downs beginning this Christmas will last into next year. A slow economy certainly has impact on how well companies like Catalyst do. On the other hand, it makes me feel good to know people are being a little more conservative with their money and reaching for the cash in their wallet quicker than the plastic.

Could a coming recession actually help bring about a bit of materialistic cleansing?

We're certainly not known, as Americans, for being the most self-controlled breed on the planet. Perhaps a silver lining in the recession rain cloud is the possibility of more restraint on our parts. I suspect, though, that even though we may be inclined to spend less on ourselves, I doubt it will equate to being willing to give more to others. Even a less consumeristic Church doesn't guarantee a more generous one.

Here's the hoping I'm right (about the first part) and wrong (about the second).