This morning while Jacob was supposed to be getting dressed for school, he was sitting on his bed counting his money. When I passed their room to nudge them along Jacob asked me, "mom, why is money so precious?"
And, for what seemed the the longest minute ever, there was silence. I didn't know how to answer him properly. I was stumped. I answered in the most obvious way, saying that without money you wouldn't have a home, or car or clothes or food. It seemed to settle him but there was still that activity going on in his mind as if to say, 'that doesn't make it precious.'
He got me thinking though, "why is money so precious to us?" Sure we need it for our necessities, but looking around my home, I see lots of things that aren't necessities. Imagine what life would be like if we shared the wealth more readily. I mean really, everyone in North America is rich if we compare ourselves to global standards. I feel guilty when I read stats that say 10% of the people in the world are enourmously wealthy while 50% are exceedingly poor and in a volatile place. I feel even worse when I read something like this:
"One study makes the case that $27 billion could save 8 million lives a year. If every citizen in a wealthy country gave an extra $25 a year 8 million lives could be saved. That's all it takes to ease tremendous suffering and anguish-less than 50 cents a week. Billions of people are crying for my help. Instead of hearing their cries, I close my ears and go merrily on my shopping sprees for stocking stuffers, purchase Martha's latest ladle or Eddie Bauer's best buckskin jacket. Is something wrong here?" ~leonard Sweet.
So why is money so precious? Jacob has no idea what he started in my mind. Society tells us that in order to be 'somebody' you have to have lots of money no matter how many people you rip-off to get it. That the best life is the richest life. We look at the stars on TV and everyone is interested in their gowns and who designed them. We get virtual tours of their multi-million dollar homes and secretly wish that we could have a taste of that.
The truth is, some of the happiest people are the poorest.
I think I need to change my answer. Instead of money being precious because it gets us what we need/want. It is precious because it saves lives.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
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3 comments:
I have seen for myself that the pooriest people in the world are the happiest...that is the biggest lesson that I learning from when I was in Africa. You should read this blog (http://realguy556.blogspot.com/) and check out some of 'Max's Updates' on there...he is in Africa right now and I think that some of his stories will help you along. Your kids are always thinking!
I must confess that my life-long passion has always been to be a fashion designer to the stars of Hollywood. From the tender age of 5, I was drawing and designing gowns and when I was in college, I finally applied to the most prestigious Fashion school in the USA. It took a friend to set me straight when he said "The fashion world is so superficial and you're not. You are more of a servant - someone who wants to help people." That year, I changed my major to sociology because I knew that one day I could help society at large.
I must confess though - sometimes I wish I were making the millions that I could have in Hollywood! It's just human nature to want THINGS!
"The truth is, some of the happiest people are the poorest."
Amen, to that. I think I'm much happier than most folks with more money than we/I have. Actually, if it wasn't for my spouse - I'd have none (being a SAHM).
Money isn't precious to me but it is something I wouldn't mind having more of LOL. I think more so becasue it's hard to come by. I wouldn't really want to be rich but it would be nice to have those extra things I like but don't need.... or my husband work less. I'm happy as-is tho.
Good post.
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