Sometimes I want it. Badly. Other times I’m overcome with relief that I never really have to worry about it. This thing called money offers me a variety of emotional responses. Lately I’ve been struggling with the realization that while I am blessed not to have to worry about it, it doesn’t go unnoticed. Instead my people worry about it. A lot.
Money, money money. It used to come up occasionally, but the frequency has increased lately as preparations continue for my new little person. And its never really a happy conversation. Not that there is arguing or fighting, but us canines have a sense for things like stress and tension.
It happened again today. I overheard them talking about it and I was overcome with longing. I wanted money. I wanted to buy them all the nice things for the little person they keep talking about like a travel system (whatever that is) and a mobile for the crib. I wanted to give them everything they think they want.
But that’s just it. Wants are not always needs. And needs are not always wants. It sure would be nice if I somehow had all kinds of money to spend on these things. But that’s all they are – things. Just things. Things don’t create happiness, no matter how necessary they seem. Moments of real joy begin in the heart, not the mind.
I was reminded of this tonight as mom and I took a quick walk around the neighborhood right as the sun was setting. It made for a beautiful scene, with the sun shining through the trees as the leaves fell peacefully along our path. And I realized in those precious moments there is this thing about beauty – its completely free. And (even better) it often buys happiness. And joy. And gratitude.
“Here we are sitting in a shower of gold,” observed Australian writer Christia Stead, “with nothing to hold up but a pitchfork.”
It seems I’ve gotten it all wrong. I don’t want money. I want my people’s worry to go away. I want them to see the beauty in all things like I do and feel the sense of emotional richness that brings. I want them to be happy. These wants are really needs in my book. So today I renew my vow to do my small part to highlight these things in our lives, starting with my people. Because I know my heart contains within it its very own shower of gold.
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All true – but sometimes it’s hard to remember those things when you’re struggling to make ends meet… In the Bible it says ‘there is great gain in Godliness with contentment, and contentment with what you have sure helps.
Contentment. That is the perfect word to align with gratitude. Well said – thank you!
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I have always thought: “Be happy with what you have”. There are others out there that have it worse than you.
Perspective. It’s a mighty powerful thing, and a very good reminder. 🙂
This is a beautiful entry, Wyles. My grandmother used to say something to the effect of “There is never a good or convenient time to have a baby. They come and you find a way.” And, in finding the way, you have the joy and precious responsibility. For thousands of years babies have been born in all sorts of circumstances – today, we have more than we have ever had in the history of mankind. This same grandmother also said, “No, money isn’t the end all be all, but I’ve never met a situation it didn’t help.” You help them see the beauty of these times, Wyles. Love, HuntMode
Thank you for your kind words, dear friend, and for sharing your grandmother’s words of wisdom. She sounds like a smart lady. I don’t know much about this money….I think you’re right that it helps but I do know happiness it does not buy.
Lots of love,
Wyles