Mark 10 22 When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
“Everywhere people have actually built their lives on the unquestioned belief that without certain things – money, power, success, approval, a good reputation, love, friendship, spirituality, God – they cannot be happy.” You then develop an attachment to the thing and become happy when you have it and sad if you are in danger of losing it.
This set me pondering about love, and marriage. There is a paradox here, which I recognise in my own marriage – without Lesley I would be less happy, but clinging tight and not letting her have a free choice reduces my happiness too. Instead of being about controlling the other to ensure that they are there all the time, you have to accept their freedom. However, with it comes the gift of their presence – which increases our joy.
The Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale 