Life is not only about making money

byCarrieIves

186 followers

5 years ago

Last year the mini donut stand at our local home and garden show had a little thing on display that caught my eye. It was a small plastic bag with Cheerios in it. The label said these were donut seeds. It made me laugh and I asked if I could take a picture. They said yes and explained that they picked this up at a flea market and thought it was appropriate for them.

Later that day the donut seeds made me think of a very dear friend. She married young and started her family right away. Suddenly, her husband was unable to work, and with 4 children, it was often challenging to provide basic needs for her family. She never complained and she was always grateful for everything in her life. She did the best she could and she’s satisfied that she provided the best life possible. Her children are now happy, healthy adults.

She still sometimes wrestles with meeting her basic needs. She has a regular job but to help out she makes crafts and sells them at a local flea market. I sent her a picture of the donut seeds and suggested she could make these and sell them at the flea market as a novelty item.

She liked the idea and thought she could sell them for $2 or $3. I suggested that perhaps $4 or $5 might be better. Her answer surprised me - she said she could try the higher price but thought they would sell better if she donated the money to charity.

Immediately I knew why she was able to live her life in near poverty and still be happy. She put others ahead of herself and the satisfaction of this was more important to her than her own situation.

I am forever grateful to her for this life lesson. Like is not only about making money. Life is about being happy, giving to others whenever possible, and being grateful.

And don't forget to laugh!

Cheers!