…So I must leave, I’ll have to go
To Las Vegas or Monaco
And win a fortune in a game, my life will never be the same…
Money, money, money
Must be funny
In the rich man’s world.
Ahhhh, Ahhhh, all the things I could do
If I had a little money
It’s a rich man’s world.
These are lines from the Swedish super group, ABBA Gold. It describes the human quest and fixation with money and how money can change a life and be the answer to life’s problems. So very true!
Thinking beyond this, let’s pause and find answers to these questions.
Is life all about possession, money, and wealth? Can one be happy without them? Are there other sources of happiness apart from money? Can one find contentment even in lack? What defines happiness and satisfaction?
Money and contentment are like two parallel lines cut by a transversal. This means that the feelings that money gives are aroused from the external, while the feelings that contentment gives are aroused from the internal. Apparently, the internal feeling of contentment surpasses the external feeling of money.
Contentment, therefore, is a state of mind. It is the acceptance of one’s state of affairs in life by finding happiness and fulfilment in every situation. Hence, contentment can be found in living a moderate/simple life as well as in living an affluent life.
In this age, children and youths love rags-to-riches stories, quick sale billionaire talks, cut corners ventures, wealth from bets and gambling, and the discovering oil wells. Hence, there are distractions and diversions of seeking money by all means and neglecting the accomplishment of contentment. Social media exposure has made both the young and old become so attached to money while being discontented at each level of its pursuit. The Internet is full of finding ways to get rich-quick, and everybodys attention is on the means to get money to the detriment of the fulfilment, joy, happiness, satisfaction, and stability it should come with. Many become grasping, hung up on their possessions, and pre occupied with material things, neglecting the focus, which is contentment.
But money does not guarantee happiness. It does not guarantee fulfilment. It does not guarantee satisfaction. Contentment does. With money, it becomes difficult for one to create room for what really matters, which is contentment. Everything we have in life is a gift, and we depend on God at every moment of every day to find fulfilment as we journey in life. We must live in the contentment of acknowledging the things we have, being grateful for them, and not allowing the quest for money to threaten our peace and feelings of contentment.
As a child and youth, what is your focus in life? What is your attitude to the things you have and those you don’t have? Do you put instant pleasure above contentment? It is time to set your priorities right. Sometimes, it is difficult to resist the urge of discontent. It requires intentionality to recognize the need to be contented, grateful, and happy, irrespective of how rough life may seem. Contentment requires a genuine self-assessment and candid observation of one’s everyday living.
The disposition of the mind determines the greater part of happiness and fulfilment. This should not be conditioned by circumstances of availability or lack. Riches should be measured not by what one has but by what one can do without. It is important, especially in this generation, for children and youths to try and let go, focus on the present, and allow contentment to visit their mind. Undoubtedly, one who lacks contentment in the present is likely to lack contentment in the future irrespective of his/her economic and financial circumstances.
*BIBLE VERSE*
*Hebrews 13:5*
*Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”*
*PROVERB*
*Abundance doesn’t know contentment, but contentment is abundance*…
*Turkish proverb*
*RIDDLE*
*Both happiness and sorrow I bring from ancient taps a plenty. I dull the pain of cuts and life, some drowning in my embrace. What am I?*
*Amara Ann Unachukwu*
