Money

        "Money may be a startling subject to find on a spiritual website. As you know, you can't take it with you, but what does go with you is the sense of worth, an attitude toward money and its uses. You would think that that might be dropped as one advances on a spiritual path, but there are so many lives built around the subject that when you think of it, it isn't so strange.

        Money - an exchange, a means to buy, a means of gain. Money as a tool, as a security blanket, and as power. The world and its economies rise or fall based on the distribution and balance of money. People are judged by their lack of money or the abundance of it. Our clothes, our homes, and lifestyles are affected by the amount of money which comes into our lives. Our recreation and leisure time is affected by its presence or absence. People ruin their lives by the means they use to gain more money, and it does seem to multiply into a need for more and more.

        We all want a sense of security. We say it isn't the money itself, it's being able to do away with the worry and strain that comes when the supply isn't sufficient. For some it is a lifelong struggle, and we gaze with wonder at those who inherit or win large amounts.

        The often quoted phrase "The love of money is the root of all evil" is misquoted and it becomes "money is the root of all evil", but when you think of it, you can see that it is truly the love of it that causes the problems. The majority of people who work hard say they just 'make ends meet', and there are others who can spend quite freely. Habits become entrenched with the availability of money. It hardens those who have to, daily, struggle to survive with little to help ease the pain of the struggle. It can change and mold and ruin a person who sees herself or himself in a situation where one must have it. And, the comfort that it brings to some, increases the need for it.

        How then do we balance this tool? When there are current needs, it is difficult to think of balance. It is a constant worry. Yet we can begin to perhaps bend our attitudes. We can step back from a situation of want/need and look at it from a distance. We can check our attitudes, as well as our spending habits. How important is it in life? Yes, you have to have food and shelter, clothes, and other needs met. We do not minimize the necessity of having it to survive in a decent way. We ask that you see how much of your life is wrapped around the income in your life. How are you handling it and is it spent well? Does it rule you or do you stay in control of it?

        When you bring more balance into your life, even with the worry and strain of reaching for that which you need, you will find that it is less of a strain. Yes, the bills must be paid and there are those emergency costs that empty what is there, but during the ups and downs, can you manage to stay on a smooth course? Or does the roller coaster keep you upside down to the point where there is little else going on in your mind? If this is so, then it is wise to take hold of that which you need to bring balance. It is not to say that your money will increase or there will be no problems, but it will bring better balance in order to handle the daily decisions.

        Too often we get overwhelmed with life and what it requires and the time goes flying by. Too often we see someone who spends an entire lifetime to attain a particular goal, only to lose because there is no time left to enjoy.

        Let reason and balance help you through the tough times. Find ways to be aware of life and its enjoyment, ways that do not take money. Look around you at your environment. Look at the stars, take a walk. Life is full of small pleasures and their worth cannot be measured in monetary terms. Treasured memories as well as treasured lessons can be found."