As I advance further in my career, I am amazed at how a rising socioeconomic status changes my perspective. When I was first married we fought about money. We were young, poor, and in college. There was a lot of pressure to make ends meet.
Fast forward a few years and what a difference. Of course we’re not spectacularly wealthy, but I make a comfortable living. Today I was reflecting on what money means to my marriage.
Physical Comfort. Giving plasma to pay for groceries is no way to live at all. We live in a clean apartment with enough space. We eat enough, drink enough, and can afford health insurance. Our material needs are taken care of. What a blessing it is to know that my wife is comfortable…and that I no longer have to stick a needle in my arm to pay for it.
Less Mental Stress. G.B. Shaw said that the greatest sin is poverty. One of the worst things about being poor is the constant fear of where the next month’s rent is going to come from. That fear causes people to exercise poor judgement sometimes. When I am stressed I tend to lash out. Having a little extra money gives you the ability to say no, or to make a third choice where before there might have been only two.
Better Service. With more wealth comes more ability to serve. If you are always looking for a buck, your focus is not on how you can help others. If you have more than you need, you can give to those who don’t. This brings greater fulfillment in life, and thus more happiness in marriage.
Better Marital Skills. Ever attended a marital retreat? How about therapy or counseling? Read a self help book or listened to a tape? Chances are, if you’re poor, you won’t have these opportunities. Education brings opportunity and skill that you can’t acquire otherwise.
What do you think? How has money blessed your marriage? How do you think money will bless your marriage?
Also, don’t forget to enter the contest to send free flowers to your special one on Valentine’s Day!
I'm not sure I'd go with the word "blessed" but thanks mostly to my wife's money management skills, we were able to climb out from underneath the hill of debt that I brought into the marriage and begin setting back enough to make some improvements to our home. Once we got past that hump. we were able to save enough to take a trip to Ireland & London not long after our 3rd anniversary.
We've been married over 12 years and along the way, she has kept so on-top of things that even with just solid but far from extravagant pay, we've bought 3 cars with cash and taken a couple of vacations and countless mini-vacations (a.k.a. long weekends out of town).
I feel blessed to have met a smart & sensible woman who can take a little money and make it much more. I feel blessed that, because of that, we've had few money woes. I wish my parents had been so fortunate.
Rob O.s last blog post..The Emerald Isle Gets Even Greener
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
Like