I grew up in a modest home. My folks didn’t bring in a huge income (at least when we were little) and there were many “things” I wished I had that I thought would make my life better. Even having one jacket in addition to the navy blue “wind breaker” (complete with my Catholic school, OLPH logo) would have been terrific and may have in fact improved the quality of my life!
And I think something can happen over time, when one lives in a society so centered on “things”…And that is, if you don’t have “things” you begin to make rationalizations / conclusions to help cope. My coping conclusion became: “things don’t matter.” This thinking served me through MANY lean years of schooling and career-building, however, as I began to transition to a place where more was available to me, I learned new things about things! In a surprisingly refreshing way, I am understanding that:
- luxury cars are extremely comfortable and ride really well; driving can become an entirely different experience when in a machine that was made for cruising and not just conveyance
- gemstones are a beautiful gift of the earth and can serve a special valued token of love, appreciation, or significance of relationship or event
- joy is not only found in the simple things; snowboarding is not a cheap or easily entered endeavor and the experience not easily had with little effort and no money
- material wealth can add to the ease of one’s life and having money/things does not have to mean one lacks character or is unsympathetic
- just because someone has means does not mean that he/she lacks humility..(although, I do feel that being “without” serves individuals in terms of character building and their sense of humility)
- and here is this one that I didn’t have to learn new: thanks to my mom I have always known that a well-appointed home, with well crafted furniture and treasured items, can have an astounding effect on every day living and one’s sense of well-being
I believe that we are to maximize joy in our lives and that *some* focus on material items can aid this. I would never advocate to seek “things” only for the sake of procurement. I would say that deliberate attention to *things* that inspire new beginnings, generate a loving thought, or commemorate a significant event or achievement are quite special and are to be valued. Your *things* may not match mine in the slightest! And to me, that’s additionally inspiring.
Linda:
Beautifully written. I have used another description of your sentiment. Money won’t by happiness, but a lack of it can create very unhappy moments. There is great truth in what you write. Nice cars and nice homes, well appointed and cared for, by people who see them for what they are and nothing more, who do not make nice possessions alone a statement of their self worth, can serve to smooth out the rough roads we travel in life. You make me proud.
Love, Dad