Riches

As a single father I used to constantly remind my sons that I was the richest man in the world. After all, how could a father have anything more valuable than his sons' love? It was also important for them to know that--to know how much they meant to me (and still do.) If the choice was between wealth and being committed to my sons, it wasn't a choice. Give me my sons any and every day.
Today, believe it or not, I am still the richest man in the world--at least tied with some of you. I have two delightful sons, a lovely daughter-in-law, and two gorgeous granddaughters. But as rich as all that makes me, I have other riches as well. I have no fear of going hungry tomorrow. I have good friends that I can call on in time of need. I have good friends who help me even when I'm not in a "time of need." I have two sisters and their families who love my family and me and are faithfully serving our Lord. I have an incredible Mom who has always loved me, prays for my boys and me constantly, and in her late nineties is as faithful to her Savior as a Daniel or an Apostle John. She is a living encouragement to finish strong, to run the race with patience, to fight the good fight of faith until it's time to go home. I have been given by my God the spiritual gift of teaching to use to honor and glorify Him. I have a car that runs. I have Pepsi in the refrigerator. I have an eternal relationship with the eternal God of love.
I--and you--could go on and on. God has enriched us with so many things in so many ways. We are the richest people in the world--and our income is irrelevant. If we lost it all, we would still be just as rich. So, when you feel like complaining about your circumstances or about what you don't have, reflect on what you do have as a joint-heir with Christ. Spending the day rejoicing is much better than spending the day grumbling. I hope you enjoy your riches this holiday season. You don't need one gift to do so.

"Count your many blessings name then one by one." It will take you an eternity; so, you had best get started.