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Inspiration

Enjoy the Riches You Have
By Joel Osteen - Jun 07, 2010
One time, I heard a story about a very wealthy family. The father wanted to show his seven-year-old son how poor people live. So he took his son for a drive to a little farm in the country to spend the weekend with a family they knew. They arrived at a little, framed, wood house. This family didn't have any TV or fancy furniture. They didn't even have carpet. Since there wasn't any entertainment inside, at night they would go out on the front porch and sing, laugh, and tell stories. After being there a night or two, the father and son headed back home. The father was very curious about what the son had learned, so he asked him how he liked it. The little boy said, "Oh, Dad, I really loved it." The father responded, "Well, Son, do you see how poor people can be?" The son answered, "Yes, Dad, I see." The father said, "Well, Son, tell me exactly what you learned?" The little boy said, "Well, Dad, I learned that we have one dog at home and they have four. We have a swimming pool in the middle of our backyard, but they have a stream with no end. We have fancy lanterns on our house, but they have the stars. We watch TV by ourselves at night, but they sit around as a family and have fun." The father was shaking his head. He knew his idea had backfired. About that time the son said, "Dad, thank you so much for showing me how poor we really are."

Friend, if you have people to love in your life, then you're rich. If you have your health, you're rich. If you can hear your children's footsteps coming down the stairs, you're rich. If you can talk with your family about nothing, you're rich. If you have a loving family around you, you’re rich.

Today, I encourage you to keep the right perspective. Slow down and enjoy the simple blessings God has given you. Take more walks through the park. Look at the stars at night and think about His goodness. Remember, there will always be another dream, another goal, or another challenge. Take time for what matters most and enjoy the riches you have!

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation (Philippians 4:12, NIV).
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