#9 – On the Value of Money
“Money is the longest route to happiness.”
Evangeline Lilly, cast member of Lost television program
Quoted in Women’s Health magazine, June 2009.
Why I Like This.
I see a road extending so far you can’t see the end. If we think we can’t be happy until we reach a certain level of wealth, we’ll almost certainly never reach the goal. For when we reach the first level of wealth, we’ll see that there’s still more road ahead.
And while we’re on that long road, we pass by the flowers, streams, sunsets and the smiling friends and family that could have provided us that happiness all along.
Whenever I’m feeling financially confined, lacking freedom to come and go and do as I please, I feel better remembering something our mother used to say: Be thankful if your problems can be solved just by having more money.
Because money is inadequate when it comes to solving many of our problems. Only generous amounts of love, forgiveness, patience, time, and acceptance can hold a family together, mend estranged relationships, or heal a broken heart.
Wow! Am I behind on your Blog!
“Money is inadequate when it comes to solving many of our problems.” I find this an interesting statement; I’ve not come to the conclusion it is a true statement tho. Maybe the key word here is “many”. Or maybe it’s in defining “problems.” I’ll have to continue to give this some thoughts.
Having money certainly does give us more choices, Phyllis. But you’re right — the key words are “many” and “problems.” Money solves the problem if we lack the necessities of life, but it can’t guarantee our sick child will get well, or mend a marriage, or give us more minutes in the day.
I’ve been up and I’ve been down, financially, and I think I had more fun, better friends, and more opportunity for creativity when I was down. FWIW.
Thanks for that reminder of where real value lies, Kate.
And what’s that old saying? Necessity is the mother of invention? There’s something to be said for having to try harder.