My conversations with Nolan have gotten very philosophical lately. He told me in the car this morning that if he had more money he would be happier. I've really tried lately to help him become more aware in this department. If we go to Target, toys there aren't free, so now if he wants a toy he has to use money that he has saved in his piggy bank ($5 max). If he could spend all of his money in his piggy bank on one big cool toy he would do it in a hot minute, but I know that toy will be broken/forgotten about in a week and his piggy bank will be empty. I point out that food costs money and the reason Greg goes to work is to provide for us...house, food, bills, etc.
So, this money comment bothered me. I know in his 5 year old mind he made the connection: more money=more toys, which would equal more happiness in his life (or so he thinks). I explained to him that more money wouldn't make us happier, but people in our lives should make us happier. Great concept, but do I really believe it myself??
I have caught myself numerous times thinking, "If I only had: new shoes/ extra bathroom/new countertops/a new haircut, I would be so much happier." Well, all of those things are THINGS, and they all cost money. So, maybe Nolan wasn't too far off the path of my own selfish thinking...more money might equal more happiness.
But I know deep down that isn't the right answer. Just like our first instinct in Sunday School is to answer all questions with, "Jesus!" because we always think that is the right answer; I catch myself answering the question, "What would make you more happy?" "More money!" I definitely think that it would get me more things, but I know human nature. After you get those things, you'll just want more things. I see this in mini-form in Nolan and Mallory. They aren't just happy with one Power Ranger/My Little Pony, they have to have them ALL! And if they ever got them all, they would go to a new set of toys they just had to HAVE!
So, my solution to this problem? To be happy for what I have. Easy answer, hard to put in effect. But I am reminded every day. Take for example, I saw an article on a sick baby. I have two healthy children that I probably don't deserve, but have been graciously blessed with by God. Every time I use the internet/air conditioning/refrigeratory I remember that we are probably more well-off than 70% of the entire world. When I open my fridge and pantry I should be grateful that I don't have to worry about where my next meal comes from. I need to just look up to see the roof over my head (newly fixed and not leaking by the way).
In the next few days I will be making a list with Nolan to post on the fridge of the things that make us happy that are free, and a few things that make us happy that do cost money. I don't want to be unrealistic, there will always be things that cost money in Nolan's and mine lives that make us happy. Does this make me a selfish person? No, it just makes me human.
What do you think? Is money the answer to all problems?
No comments:
Post a Comment