In the play, “The Fool,” by Channing Pollack, there is a powerful scene. A rich woman speaks of her furs as “a substitute for my husband’s time and love and companionship.”
The husband’s father is listening to this and reacts with frustration, saying, “I don’t know what you women want. A man works his heart and soul out to give you things and still you aren’t satisfied.”
The wife doesn't miss a beat. She simply replies, “Maybe we would like a little heart and soul.”
Writer Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us, “The true gift is the gift of thyself.” Things can never substitute for our time, attention, love, and affection … not with our spouses, children, friends, and yes, not even the Lord.