Rich

 

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

John 10:10

 

Recently I was selling a few donated collectable sports items for a fundraiser. An individual offered me a very low bid on one of the items. It was well less than the value of the item. I kindly explained that it was being sold for a fundraiser and that I’d like to get a little more—something closer to its value. The individual did not like the answer and became angry. Things were said that were illogical. The individual falsely assumed a few things and called me greedy and rich.

I had to chuckle at being called those things, especially the rich part. My husband and I definitely are not rich financially by any means. We do not own the residence in which we live. The vehicles we drive are nice, but certainly were not the most expensive ones a person can purchase. A quick glance at our bank account on any given day can verify that we are certainly not rich.  

Later that day I was relating the incident to a good friend of ours. Some time after our conversation about it, I started thinking. The comment was intended to be an insult. However, the more thought I gave it, I had to agree that I am rich. My life is richly blessed.

As I look around the home that we rent from wonderful landlords, I see framed photos of family and friends who are like family to us. I am blessed to be married to my husband for over 26 years. Our pets bring us joy. Our home is in a peaceful setting. We were not able to have children of our own, but the Lord has blessed us with the opportunity to be youth leaders for over 20 years and able to invest in some awesome teens over the years. Over the years we have maintained and gained friendships from our days in school, places of employment, community theater and church. Currently we are plugged in to a Bible-centered church. Jesus is my Savior. He loves me more than I can ever imagine.

All of these reasons and more are why I consider myself rich. Based on what this individual said to me, it is clear that this person does not have a very rich life. It is obvious from what I read from this person that they do not have a rich or abundant life. I do hope and pray that someday this person comes to Jesus. I hope that they can experience the rich and abundant life, and a heart of joy, that can only come from Jesus. He came to give life and give it abundantly.