The secret of contentment is the realization that life is a gift, not a right.
I’m speaking next week to a group on the topic of ACHIEVING YOUR DREAMS.
Following similar presentations in the past, I’ve invited audience members to write their “big dreams” on a feedback form. I’ve encountered an amazing variety of aspirations, but it’s interesting that no listener has ever listed “being wealthy” as their central desire.
In fact, the dreams rarely involve money directly.
As I browsed the responses, I began to ponder my own dreams and how they’re related to my attitudes toward finances. I’m not certain that my beliefs and behaviors are clearly defined and consistent.
Yesterday Chris Guillebeau posted some wonderful thoughts about SUFFICIENCY. Chris’ reflections prompted me to consider some of the tensions I experience.
- Have I personally defined enough or am I always seeking more?
- Do I consistently act from a perspective of abundance, or do I sometimes imagine that my success only happens at the expense of others?
- Have I developed a clear distinction between needs and wants?
- Do I control my possessions, or do I allow them to control me?
- Am I choosing to invest my time in important ways, or do I chase a buck at the expense of relationships and principles?
- Are my principal motives always safety and security, or am I willing to take risks for compelling reasons?
- Are my choices aligned with my beliefs, or do I settle for expediency and short-term rewards?
- Do I really trust that God will provide for my needs?
I agree with Chris that money is generally neutral. It’s what we do with money, our attitudes toward it, that determine our level of contentment.
What’s your strongest financial tension?
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