It’s Not About the Money
The following guest post is from Ben of Money Smart Life. He graciously sent over this post when he learned of our family emergency in an effort to give me a breather. Enjoy the post, and then head over to his site to sign up for more articles like this one.
Photo by theritters
Money makes the world go round but people are what make the world worth living in.
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily rush of making a living and forget that each day we spend rushing around is a blessing. The opportunity to spend time with the ones we care about is something that I overlook all too often.
Sure, money is important but it’s only a means to an end. The relationships we build in our lives and the people we spend them with are what it’s all about.
It’s amazing how a simple reminder of our mortality can change our perspective and bring things back into focus. I constantly think of my grandfather’s passing away when I find myself slipping into the “busy life syndrome”.
When our young son wants “Daddy” to help or play, I remind myself of how precious our time together is, regardless of how busy I am. I’m not perfect; sometimes I tell him to go ask mom but most of the time I’ll stop what I’m doing, put him on my knee, and enjoy being part of his life.
Hopefully it doesn’t take a scary or sad event to remind you how fortunate you are to be alive. Life’s too short to spend it too busy to enjoy it.
Editor’s note: The past couple weeks have really put things in perspective for me in terms of what is most important in life, and how we spend our remaining life energy. I’ve had a growing list of things I want to do one day–sort of an early “bucket list”–and I fully intend to get started checking off a few items soon!
Certainly. I’ve had these same kinds of feelings come to me in the past few weeks. I was more addicted to working and finding new work rather than spend time with friends. While the money was great, I had nothing to spend it on as all my friends abandoned me… or rather I abandoned them. I’ve cleared much more time in my day now, so I get to be with friends much more often.
Justin Dupre
http://justindupre.com
Affiliate Marketing with an Attitude
Family emergencies often put our lives in focus, I sometimes I wish we could have these “wake up” reminders without the emergencies… Money is important because it’s like oil in an engine but love and family is gas that makes it hum.
*sniff sniff* That was sweet. I think I’ll get off the computer and go watch Mickey Mouse with my 2 year old.
I couldn’t agree more that life is short and that you need to savor every moment. It is so incredibly easy to get caught up in things that are urgent, but not really significant.
Thanks for the reminder to give my daughters a hug today and to relish the moment!
Great post! It’s true. Building great relationships with family and friends are worth more in gold than the relentless pursuit of money alone. Money can never buy happiness. Don’t take too long to find out about this as time passes by quickly.
Thanks for sharing,
Evelyn
Luved the guest post! I’ve had 2 wake up calls – my father passed at only 51 and only got to see his first grandchild, barely. My kids’ dad passed at 58 when the kids were 17.5, 19, and 23 – a tough time for them to loose their dad. And he only got to see 1 of his now 8 grandkids. Sad.
I try to focus my time on the 8 grandkids – it’s what is top of my list these days. Therefore I cut back to a 32 hour work week, 4 days – and feel that the time with my grandkids and family is MUCH more important than the extra $$ I could have made. I also try very hard to keep in touch with dear friends.
Time is short and precious. More so every day after 50 – trust me on this one!
Thanks!
What a perfect and simple message. Money’s value is that it buys freedom, dreams, and time to spend with loved ones. If you’re not using it for those, it may be time to reevaluate.
Glad you guys feel the same way I do about this topic, nice analogy Jim!
My problem is keeping the potency and impact of these “wakeup” moments fresh in my mind. I get so busy sometimes, it’s easy to forget.
Ben, thanks for the great guest post. There is no price on relationships, that’s for sure. When I sweat the details about my upcoming wedding, I try to remind myself that it isn’t about decorations, favors, honeymoons, blah blah blah…It’s about the vows. Everything else must take a back seat.
it’s a lovely post. every once in a while, it’s good to read something like this, as a bit of a gentle reminder to pull back, step away from the rush, and remember the things and people that make life meaningful. and do something with that realization.
I always need this reminder to slow down and savor these moments. I am trying really hard to do that and focus less on the money(or lack thereof) and focus more on the beauty of being together. I am so thankful for my family and would be nothing without their love and support.
I continue to pray for yours!
@ Ben – About keeping the ‘wakeup moments” fresh in your mind….. I post a photo and a quote on the bathroom mirror – reminds me first thing every morning and last thing every night
And at my desk at work, and on the car dash…
and on the refrigerator door….
Hard to Not rememember, when it’s in front of me all day long
And yes, it usually brings a smile to me and a heart-happy moment.
[...] Money is worthless in a state of loneliness. – “Money makes the world go round but people are what make the world worth living in. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily rush of making a living and forget that each day we spend rushing around is a blessing. The opportunity to spend time with the ones we care about is something that I overlook all too often.” – via Frugal Dad [...]