Marriage, money and happiness

It was a gathering of adults. As the discussion went on, a compere said, “IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY WHEN YOU DO NOT HAVE MONEY, YOU WILL STILL NOT BE HAPPY WHEN YOU HAVE MONEY.” But one of the intelligent men argued that for a man, who has responsibilities and does not have enough money to meet those responsibilities, there is no way such a man will be happy. An anonymous marriage and family counsellor shared this with us today, In his words he forgot to add that, that statement made by the gentleman received a thunderous ovation. Those who know him more intimately, who were part of the audience knew that he would want to swim against the tide of public opinion, which he did. He explained that any marriage whose only or major source of happiness is money is not solid enough. He made it clear that while money is very important in marriage, couples should endeavour to build the foundation of the happiness of their marriage on love, kindness, contentment, patience, etc., and not on money only. He did not say money cannot bring happiness to your home. He made reference to how he started life on a financial footing above average. My finances later nosedived that while he did not want to remain in such a situation. According to him, he decided to be contented with whatever quality and quantity of food he could afford. On top of all these, and became very sick. All he needed to buy was antibiotics as recommended by a doctor. He pleaded with a friend to lend him some money, which he promised to pay back after some months. Before the time for pay back was due, the man came demanding for his money. He pleaded with him to hold on but he refused. He said in the absence of my not paying him, he would seize one of my easily moveable properties. He offered to give him his pressing iron but he refused. He said he would take my television set instead. Oh my God! That was what kept me company. When he saw that he meant business, he unplugged the TV set, carried it in his hands, climbed down the staircase from my three-bedroom flat and put it in his car. He zoomed off with my TV set and he climbed up to his flat and started singing songs of joy and praise to God. He remained happy. He told them there were few periods sadness would want to come but he chased sadness away by deciding to be happy. He made it clear that being happy is a choice, which should be determined from the heart and not just by money. A man or woman whose happiness is determined only by money is not quality enough. So, he said couples should learn to be contented with every level of life that they find themselves. He quoted 1 Timothy 6:6-8 “But godliness with contentment is great gain… And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” A man, who is financially down should make up his mind to be happy and pass this happiness down to the wife and children. When the Bible says, “rejoice always I say rejoice,” it did not only refer to when there is money. It means that man has the ability to rejoice without money. It is in such a state of contentment, (and not murmuring as the Israelites did in the wilderness) which pleases God and makes Him fight your financial battles for you. At the end of his explanation, he asked whether they agreed with his views and I heard a loud “yes.” What’s your view? Love you.