You Can't Always Get What You Want

Mick Jagger said it in the song, but it is so true.  The rest of the line is "if you try, sometimes you get what you need."  More and more lately in my life I have seen this.  I went to visit an old friend recently.  She lives in  HUGE house, but her marriage is in shambles.  Another old friend (who also went on the trip) and I live in houses about half the size, but we are content in our lives.  It makes me appreciate things in a different way.  I came home thankful for my husband and wanting to shower affection on my children. 
 
Yeah, my friend has a bigger house, but she is miserable in it.  Next I am going to visit another dear friend.  She reported on her blog that their financial furture is shaky.  I hate that for them, but I know that their marital future is strong, their children are loved and nutured and they will be OK in the long run. 
 
The point here?  Be thankful for what you have, I guess.  More stuff does not mean more happiness.  Don't worry about keeping up with the Joneses.  Tell the Joneses they win.