How much do I really need in this life to be happy? To this, I used to say… nothing much. I believed I only needed so very few things. I just wanted to live a simple life after all, and I don’t need the luxuries many people strive so hard for.
As the years went by however, as I got to know myself more, I have learned to face many truths within me, both good and bad. I have learned that though I pride myself in claiming to want a simple life only, the inclination to want more is not really far from me. Why wouldn’t I want more wealth for myself and my loved ones? Why wouldn’t I want to be honored? Why wouldn’t I desire for people to like me?
Wealth, honor, pleasure… these can be good things, too. These can help us make this world a far better place for those we love. Why then do I still refrain from seeking them in such a way that many people commit themselves into possessing them?
It is because I want MORE. Yes, I don’t want less, but more! For even if I could possess more of such things, it still wouldn’t be enough for me. It could make me excited for a while, but the satisfaction it would bring me would soon run out. I’d still want more.
I want never ending good… riches that do not run out… beauty that never fades… Yes, I want more, infinitely more! I have this very deep desire within me that could never truly be satisfied by anything or anyone in this world… nothing indeed, except for One who is infinitely rich, infinitely good and infinitely beautiful – God!
St. Augustine was right when he said that our hearts are restless until it rests in God. And if a simple life is what we need to claim more of what is infinite and beautiful and true, then gladly, we give up much of what the world sees as valuable.
“I reckon everything as complete loss for the sake of what is so much more valuable, the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have thrown everything away; I consider it all as mere garbage, so that I may gain Christ.” – Philippians 3:8, GNT
The thing about hope is that it’s a positive force that shines the most when it’s dark. When everything’s going well, we hardly notice it’s there. But when things go against us, when our dreams fade and when we see no immediate reprieve from our troubles, that’s when hope does its best work for us.
"Where Hope Can Be Found"
2 replies on “How Much Do You Really Need?”
Thank you Joyce
Joyce, it is all loss unless we keep our eyes on the ultimate prize of God in our lives. He makes us see and hear with eyes and ears made new. He provides for all our needs.
Will you be so kind as to pray for my family at this time? My father passed away last week and his memorial service is tomorrow. We are celebrating a life fully lived, yet missing him is sorrow. Prayers are so powerful and I’m certain they are lifting us up at this time.
Love and blessings to you!