November 18, 2009

Wealth = Happiness??




I noticed a very nice Mercedes Benz in the lane next to me as we sat in traffic. What caught my eye were the two picture-perfect blonde toddlers in the backseat. Lap of luxury crossed my mind but only for a brief moment. I inched forward to see the mom in the front seat, with perfectly manicured nails and a good color job on her tresses. She was on the phone in an obviously heated conversation. The longer we sat there, the worse I felt for those two little angels in the backseat. I could hear the mother's angry voice through my closed window, so I know she was speaking in a loud, scary voice. I said a quick prayer for those kids as the light turned green.

Two minutes down the road, I passed a woman on the side of the road with her hood up -- on the Jaguar. Bummer. She looked very perplexed. Fortunately, a good Samaritan in an old pick-up truck was pouring some kind of fluid into the engine area.

I realized, as I drove along, that sometimes I assume that wealthy people have it easy. Not so. In fact, 2 of the most unhappy people I know are monetarily wealthy. Can you be wealthy and happy? Absolutely. But I need to remember that being wealthy wouldn't make me happier. As a matter of fact, happiness doesn't even need to be on my list of goals. Contentment and joy are much more fulfilling, doncha think?

As the holidays approach (along with sales, Black Friday, and retail marketing amped up) I don't want to fall into the trap of if only I had _______ mentality. Rather, I want to focus on I'm so thankful I have...

11 comments:

The Chubby Dove said...

you're absolutely right. very good post!

(and i love those lil eggs....)

Jodee said...

Great post! I couldn't agree more! Money does not buy happiness!

Amber said...

Perfect reminder for this time of year and everyday.

I fall into this trap way too often, thinking that people MUST have it all together if they drive fancy cars and live in perfectly decorated homes and wear beautiful clothes.

Turns out that if I really think about it, I'm with you. Some of the most unhappy people I know are wealthy. And some of the happiest people I know have what the world would look down on.

Thanks again for the reminder.


Hugs.

Kelli said...

How funny... had a Charles Spurgeon quote similar to what you posted today!!!
"You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Thanks for sharing!

Trina said...

I was just thinking these same thoughts yesterday. Thank you for sharing your heart today. I've really been enjoying your blog. Blessings to you.

Samantha said...

You summed that up beautifully! Thank you.

Sandy said...

What a great "visual" God gave you to share! I love Philippians 4:11,12 where Paul says, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, & I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any & every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Our culture tells us we "need" so much more than we really do! And yet we can get so bogged down with the "stuff" that we don't take time to enjoy the people. Thanks for sharing this!

Kellie said...

AMEN.... Contentment is so satisfying but so hard for some people to understand. Thankfulness is the key!!!

Michelle DeRusha said...

Ah, this is a post of my own heart! I am thinking a lot about contentment these days. And I need the constant reminder that it's not all about money -- so thanks for reminding me!

Anonymous said...

Too true! Trying to teach contentment to a little one in my house lately definitely has made me ponder such things as well!

On another note, those eggs in your hands look way too close to the chocolate variety that pops up around Easter, and now I must go sneak a few chocolate chips!

Gretchen said...

I'm thankful i have a new bloggy friend in you. :)