It seems to me that society as a whole has gotten into the mindset that fulfillment in life comes from wealth and prosperity. From my own perspective it appears that many have tried to stretch the dollar as far as possible and now things are snapping back with vengeance. Now just who is to blame for the recent developments is a matter for history to decide. Suffice it to say that there is plenty of blame to go around.

Part of the American dream is to try to make life better for our kids than we had it growing up. My parents sacrificed of themselves to make sure that their kids did have things better. We never had a big house or the fanciest of cars but life was comfortable and our needs were more than taken care of. Most of the folks that grew up in my parent’s generation understood that nothing came quickly and that hard work and careful investing would pay off in the end.

My mom and dad did not teach me the best investment schemes for my retirement, or the craftiest way to always have the best things in life. The things that my parents taught me had a much farther reaching application. As I look back on my childhood and adolescent years I remember the time that we spent together and some of the things that we did as a family. My folks made a conscious choice that the greatest investment that they could make in their children was time. I suppose they both could have worked longer hours and amassed more wealth, but that would have meant missing out on the many opportunities that money could not necessarily buy.

In the sixth chapter of the New Testament book of Matthew, we read the words ‘‘Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...for where your treasures is, there will your heart be also.” In a very real sense, what is being said is that it is important to maintain balance in life. I think the most recent financial crisis in our country today has resulted because people have lost that sense of balance. It is wise to make sure that you do have somewhat of a secure financial future, but to put that as the only priority in life would be to miss the mark.

How our current financial crisis will resolve itself is anybody’s guess at this point. At the same time, I hope that society in general will re-learn a lesson that has been taught for years. When it comes to investments in life, make sure that you diversify. Invest in relationships and in community service; in spiritual development and personal growth. Yes, do spend time working the financial aspect of investment, but keep in mind that very often the greatest things in life are the things that money cannot buy.