As I get older and a little wiser–and having been on both sides of this fence–I have come to understand and appreciate that the Measure of True Wealth can come in many forms and seldom involves material objects or money as is usually defined by society in general.
True Wealth
True wealth, in my humble opinion, is measured by experiences and by sharing those experiences with loved ones and friends. It is the pleasant, simple, and peaceful memories that we store up over time which defines the quality of our lives and increases our gratitude and awe of this beautiful thing called “life”.
For example, in the past few weeks I have been wealthy enough to:
- Feel a deep sense of gratitude in my heart towards God for the bounty of my blessings.
- Have an all-you-can-eat breakfast at Golden Corral with my wife.
- Enjoy a sleepover with various grandkids.
- Watch my boys play softball in a thunderstorm.
- Observe the dawn begin its glowing ascent.
- Observe the dusk and its glowing descent.
- Run with my grandkid’s dog through mountain meadows.
- Play golf at Hobble Creek with a pal.
- Grill and eat USDA Prime rib-eye steaks at my mother-in-law’s house.
- Read a classic novel during a rainstorm.
- Squander my time watching my wife’s tomato plants grow.
- Savor a picnic with my brothers and sisters.
- Volunteer my time to read a book to an elderly person.
- Smell wildflowers on a mountain hike to Stewart Falls.
- Listen to and observe a bumblebee going about its business in my backyard.
- Help my grandkids with their math and reading skills.
- Eat fresh strawberries with cream for breakfast.
- Celebrate my mother’s 77th birthday with her.
- Take my little pal Landon out for a hamburger and milkshake.
- Relish an afternoon nap while listening to music.
- Reflect on and appreciate the sacrifices of my ancestors.
Milepost
Are you rich enough? How do you count your wealth?
I believe one of the most significant mileposts in life is when you can wake up one morning and say to yourself, “I don’t need anything more… there is nothing more I want in life for me of a material nature to enjoy my life and be happy!”
I have come to believe understand that true wealth is knowing when you have enough and being happy with what you have. I’ve been very blessed in my life and feel I now have more than enough… in fact, I’m in the process of freeing myself from the majority of it!
