A Satisfied Mind
My last entry was tagged as a “Best of Holidailies.” I’m chuffed - it’s satisfying to know that one person or three reads your stuff and connects with it.
Speaking of satisfaction:
I heard this song Sunday on Prairie Home Companion, sung by my favorite performer of all time, Joe Ely. “A Satisfied Mind” (lyrics below) was recorded by Porter Waggoner, Bob Dylan, the Byrds, Faron Young and David Allen Coe, among others.
A long time ago, this word came up. Someone said that their goal was not to be married, famous or rich, but rather to have satisfying relationships. Satisfying. Not “happy.” He sought satisfaction, and he got a great marriage, a comfortable living and fame in his own tiny chosen circle of scholars.
I’m thinking of what the test for satisfaction would be. My son asked me, “Mom, what do you want for Christmas?” Long pause. “I don’t know.” It’s almost a cliché - I have everything I need. Some help with the housework would be great. But I don’t really need anything that can be wrapped up and put under the tree. I have some wishes, sure. But for me, the connection with the giver is what I like the most. The fact that my child asked me to help him study for a science test. The fact that he asked me that question, and then said, “Well, I already know what I want to get for you.” This is satisfaction - joy that this child wants to give to me, that he somehow learned how to give and how to learn. (Dare I mention the clutter in that child’s room? It’s a pocket of dissatisfaction. Baby steps…)
There are ways to improve, always areas for improvement, always gifts to receive. For me, the time to pursue the creative process in all the media I like to experiment in - words, fiber, paint, clay, music, pixels - would be a real gift.
I’m sure I’ve blogged this before, but a friend of mine once lost everything in a fire. It started when a lamp was knocked off into a laundry basket. She called me a few days later to talk about the fire, and said, “Well, I can honestly say the laundry is done.”
When there is nothing left to do, once you’ve had everything, it’s time to leave. With a satisfied mind.
A Satisfied Mind
Written by J. H. “Red” Hayes & Jack Rhodes
How many times have you heard someone say,
“If I had his money, I could do things my way.”
But little they know that it’s so hard to find
One rich man in ten with a satisfied mind.
Once I was winning in fortune and fame;
Everything that I dreamed of to get a start in life’s game.
But suddenly it happened, I lost every dime,
But I’m richer by far with a satisfied mind.
Money can’t buy back your youth when you’re old
Or a friend when you’re lonesome or a love that’s grown cold;
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind.
When life is over, my time has run out,
My friends and my loved ones I’ll leave, there’s no doubt.
But one thing for certain, when it comes my time,
I’ll leave this old world with a satisfied mind.