Scientific proof: Money can buy happiness,
but only if you spend it on someone else
Spending as little as $5 a day on someone else could significantly boost happiness, was recently scientifically proven by a team at the University of British Columbia and Harvard Business School.
Their experiments on more than 630 Americans showed they were measurably happier when they spent money on others — even if they thought spending the money on themselves would make them happier.
Volunteers were given $5 or $20 and half got clear instructions on how to spend it. Those who spent the money on someone or something else reported feeling happier about it. The study believes that as little as $5 — may be enough to produce real gains in happiness on a given day!
So what they have proven is that age old adage… it is better to give than to receive!
Throughout the world our Sisters teach the children this concept through their mission appeals. Even in Sassi, Ethiopia one of the poorest regions that we service, there is a collection for the poor! We are trying to teach them that there are children worse off than themselves, they all must give something even a penny. The first picture above shows the children bringing their gifts for the poor, and the second one their joy after distributing the gifts.
On those days when the kids or grandkids are torturing you because they are bored with nothing to do, give them some money and say, “Go do good with this money!” They must give it away to the neediest person they come across and report to you their findings. I promise you they will come home very happy and with some great stories.
So, on this day when Jesus gave not a penny, not a dollar, or $5 but himself for us, let us take a minute and reflect on this most generous act portrayed so well in this poem by Lucado.
The diadem of pain
which slice your gentle face,
three spikes piercing flesh and wood
to hold you in your place.
The need for blood I understand.
Your sacrifice I embrace.
But the bitter sponge, the cutting spear,
the spit upon your fact?
Did it have to be a cross?
Did not a kinder death exist
than six hours hanging between life and death,
all spurred by a betayer’s kiss?
“Oh, Father,” you pose,
heart-stilled at what could be,
“I’m sorry to ask, but I long to know,
did you do this for me?”
Thank you so very much for your prayers and support.
Have a beautiful Easter.
God bless you.
Sr.MB