My lovely bride and I used to laugh about our youngest daughter’s use of the phrase, “I need…” It seems as though she never simply wanted things — she “needed” things. At one point in her life, these two words became her mantra. “I need this dress. I need a car. I need to go out tonight. I need…”

I don’t mean to pick on her, because I’m sure most other parents go through a similar stage with each of their teenagers. They all need something. Interestingly enough, their actual needs are already being met (in most cases). It’s their wants that are sometimes in question. Then they extrapolate those wants into needs.

Truth be told, however, most of us are pretty good at doing that — adults included. I occasionally find myself needing something. Frankly, I already have everything I need. But, …