Can Money Buy Happiness?

When I was tagged by Abbie yesterday, I thought the hardest question was the one that asked what I would do if I had a billion dollars. I actually couldn't think about that amount of money; in fact, a million dollars is difficult for me to think about.

When I was talking about this with my husband and daughter, they were equally stumped. There were certain needs we saw within our family that were not huge, but could be relieved, and give some people peace of mind. We all agreed that we had been silently wishing we could solve those little material problems for people we loved. There was very little we could think of for ourselves. We came up with a few charities we would like to support. Then we ran out of gas. The number billion was too big.

My daughter asked if we would stay in our current house. Good question. It needs work. It's on a busy street. On the other hand, it's plenty big enough, in a safe neighborhood, and, well, it's home. There are a lot of memories here. Moving isn't the first thing that pops into my mind.

Interestingly, Arduous blogged on the subject of happiness today, and I'm sure she was working on that article long before I got tagged. Her question was why Americans are not quite as happy as people in some other nations that have somewhat less than we do materially. I won't summarize the whole thing and the great discussion that followed. One thing that came out, though, was that many commenters were willing to give up wealth for time with family, especially raising children. I found this discussion so heartening. There is a lot of real unselfish behavior out there. Along with the stories I was hearing today about people helping out in the flood zones, I basically felt very hopeful about the human race in general, and American society in particular.

Then I read this quote:

"It is sad to see that, in our highly competitive and greedy world, we have lost touch with the joy of giving. We often live as if our happiness depended on having. But I don't know anyone who is really happy because of what he or she has. True joy, happiness and inner peace come from the giving of ourselves to others. A happy life is a life for others."
- Henri J.M. Nouwen, Life of the Beloved

I realized that giving was what we really wanted to be able to do. Others who were tagged for the game seemed to feel the same way. So what do you think? Are people generally greedy and selfish, or are they for the most part willing to step outside themselves, invest in relationships, and find joy in giving?

Getting to Know You

I've been tagged by Abbie at Farmer's Daughter. Here are the five questions and my answers:

1.What were you doing ten years ago? Ugh! "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.." My husband and I were in the middle of raising our four children, who at the time were 19 (and living on campus), 17 (just finished junior year of high school), 15, and 12. The twelve year old, our only daughter was a breeze. Our 15 year old son, however, was very rebellious at that time and had gotten into some things that landed him in rehab. Very difficult for everybody, including him. The good news is he is now one of the finest people I know, with a wonderful wife and baby, and a very sincere faith in Christ. So, hard as is it is to look back on that time, there is some real joy in seeing the outcome.

2.What five things were on your to-do list today? Pull weeds. Rehearse Sunday's hymns with the organist and pianist. Call the plumber who was supposed to come yesterday and install a back-up sump-pump, but never showed. Contact several ladies who are going to sing in an ensemble, to get them organized to practice. Talk to Mike about weekend plans-are we going cannoeing, or are we going to Springfield to see the Lincoln museum? Call my sister.

3. Snacks you enjoy? Uh-oh, not too healthy here I'm afraid! I like popcorn, Moose Tracks ice cream, and Skittles. And I have the figure to prove it!

4. Places you've lived. Frances E Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, WY (when I was a baby); my parent's house in Champaign, IL; Delta Zeta Sorority in Urbana, IL; first apartment in Chicago Heights, IL (as a newly-wed); townhouse in Park Forest, IL; a couple of little rental places in Champaign; our first little house; and finally, for 24 years, this house in Champaign. I'm not as much of a rolling stone as this list makes me seem.

5. What five things would you do if you were a billionaire? Whew! That's a lot of money. I actually had to talk about this with Mike and Robin at supper, so it's kind of a joint list (but it would be Mike's money as well as mine, so that's okay). I would pay off our mortgage, and all the kid's college loans, make sure everyone in the family had a reliable car, and set up college funds for the grandchildren. Then I would help my oldest son's little church that he is pastoring get their building all energy efficient, so they wouldn't have such struggles paying their winter power bills. We would travel, because we haven't really been able to do that much. And I would give a lot of money to the children's home our church has in Honduras. And a lot of money to the University of Illinois School of Music. Beyond that, I don't know.....

6. People you want to know more about? I tag Eco-Burban-Mom, GreenBean, Arduous, CindyW, Donna, and Nan. You guys can answer here in a comment, or put something up on your own blog. Please play! It will be fun!