My husband recently reminded me of this song called “Sit Down” by the band James. Basically an 80’s one hit wonder (which basically sums up my taste in music LOL).
A phrase in the song really stands out to me:
If I hadn’t seen such riches , I could live with being poor
Just ponder that for a moment. How much of our misery in this life revolves around money?
We are so spoiled these days. We got some first world problems, y’all.
I think sometimes our first world problems can keep us from the desires of our heart.
For instance, we may think we can’t afford to have children. (Or more than 2…)
Somehow we get the message that every child should have their own room. Brand new clothes. Tons of activities. Constant entertainment. 10 million toys. A trip to Disneyland every month. Spa-quality food.
Okay, I may be exaggerating a little, but you get the picture here.
Even though we have so many luxuries that previous generations didn’t have and that we totally take for granted. Fast food. Hot water. Air conditioning. More than one family vehicle.
Guys, we live better than kings did. Think about it. A King in the Middle Ages may have had a bunch of gold and food but he still had to wait for his food and didn’t have much of a choice. Even people who are considered impoverished in our country have iPhones and countless options for food and entertainment at their fingertips.
So if you want a big family, forget what the world thinks. You can do it and it will be good.
I think we only get these ideas in our heads about what makes a good life is because we have gotten so used to a certain lifestyle.
But you know what? Although these luxuries certainly can be fun and add to our lives they aren’t what matter. What matters is the little things. I love this quote:
I am currently reading a book called The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families (it’s great check it out) – there’s a story in it about a Dad and his 4 year old and 6 year old sons. He takes them out for a fun day to an amusement park and the movies. At the end of the day, the 4 year old falls asleep in his car seat so the Dad takes off his jacket and puts it over his son so he doesn’t get cold. Then he goes home and prepares to put his 6 year old to bed. He asks him “what was your favorite part of the day” and his son glumly replies “I guess the trampolines”. The Dad goes on to ask him a few more questions, his son still withdrawing. The Dad finally asks “Son, what’s wrong? You can tell me.” Then his son tears up and says “Dad, if I fell asleep , would you give me your jacket to keep me from getting cold too?”
Wow.
It just goes to show the little things are what we notice and cherish and what we remember. And you don’t need money for that. You need peace. You need time.
How is money holding you back from your dreams?