It was a snowy Saturday in the 1980's. I had just finished carrying in some wood for the inside wood box from our stacks outside and my sneakers were soaked. I sat at the kitchen table in the seat nearest the wood stove hoping to dry them out while I munched on a cheese sandwich for lunch. Behind me I could hear my Mom washing dishes while dinner cooked slowly on the kitchen stove. The scent of brown beans filled the air and the smell was delightful.

In the living room just off the kitchen I could see my brother watching a television program. It was the one where the rich and famous people showed off their cars, boats, and houses. I watched the one being shown now. It was huge, more like a castle than a house, but as I looked at it all I could think was that it looked cold, empty, and lonely. I looked around our own home. Yes, it was tiny but it also felt warm, cozy, and full of the people I loved. And in that moment I felt richer than the guy on the TV set. I had everything that mattered and I was happy.

I read a quote recently that said: “You will never have enough money, if money is all you have.” Reading it reminded me of that moment of clarity all of those years ago. I only wish I could have carried it with me everyday of my life. Yes, money can buy you a lot of things in this life, but it can’t really buy you the things that matter. It can’t buy you family. It can’t buy you friends. It can’t buy you faith. It can’t buy you Love. It can’t buy you goodness. And it can’t buy you God.

I would rather live in a tiny home full of love than a cold and lonely mansion. I would rather dine on brown beans than caviar. I would rather have one more hug from my Mom than a million dollars. This life here is brief. Don’t waste it chasing after the wrong things. Instead make your own life a gift of Love and live in a way that makes your Father in Heaven smile.