It’s great to go on vacation (thanks David and Kathy!). Over the past few years, in what is arguably the worst economic environment since the “great depression”, it’s been hard to find the time, much less the money to get away. That’s why it is good to get a break, an opportunity to unplug, step back, to reflect.
Away from the demands of the work day, out of the rote routine of tasks to be done, I appreciate the time to sit on the beach, to observe and to think as I look out over the ocean. I am reminded of just how good life is.
Grace in Abundance
The passage in 2 Corinthians 4: 15 sums it up well:
Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance…may cause thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.
I am indeed filled with overflowing thankfulness and gratefulness.
A colleague forwarded this message to me a while back. It is especially pertinent in light of decreased investment balances and reduced salaries. It provides great perspective as financial goals are re-evaluated.
How the Poor Live
One day a father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose of showing his son how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On returning home, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”
“It was great, Dad.”
“Did you see how poor people live?” the father asked.
“Oh yeah,” said the son.
“So, tell me. What did you learn from the trip?” asked the father.
The son answered, “I saw that we have one dog and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden, and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden, and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the edge of the yard while they have the whole horizon. Our house is on a small lot, and they have land that goes beyond where we can see. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food. They grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us; they have friends to protect them.”
The boy’s father was speechless.
Then his son added, “Thanks, Dad for showing me how poor we are.”
Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for what we have, instead of worrying about what we don’t have. Let’s appeciate everything we do have – especially family and friends – and plan for the future from where we are now.