A Rich Life

A Rich Life--

Rich is a word that has many meanings.  In today's world it is used to designate the 1% who control the biggest chunk of money/assets.  At least that is the connotation one understands when listening to the news or reading certain publications.  That 1% has it all.  All the money, the multiple homes, private jets, expensive jewelry, stocks that pay huge dividends, classy automobiles, the finest in clothing.  Yes, the 1% do enjoy the finer things in life if finer is defined as material possessions.

While I am sure there are many greedy people in that small percentage, my guess is there are many who  live charitable lives.  They give back from what they have been given.  Certainly not all of the 1% are money grubbing people wishing to make life miserable for those who do not have what they have.

But, this is not written for that small group of people.  I seriously doubt that one of that group would ever come in contact with anything I write.  Hey--there is a challenge in those words.  Wonder if I could get someone to actually read a blog or a book?  Hmmmmm..I shall have to give this some thought.  I love a challenge.

This is written for all the rest of us.  Those of us who actually have more than enough to live a full life.  Those of us who have bills but manage to pay them and help others, too.  Those of us who see life from a different playing field.

So, what is a rich life?  What does it look like?  What does it feel like?  How can you tell if your life or anyone's life is rich?  Is there a certain look?  Do we observe certain behaviors that give us a little peek into a rich life?  So many questions.  And they are actually easy to answer.

From where I stand, there are many ways to identify a rich life.  Most of them have nothing to do with personal finances or address.  They have to do with a life that is characterized by a  welcoming spirit.  No one is excluded.  All are welcome.  Another give-away is the quality of relationships that bless lives.  Those who possess a rich life--by my definition--are those who desire to be of help to others.  They may never speak of the good they have done.  Others knowing is not important.  What is important is they saw a need and were able to meet it.

Sometimes these folks spend a portion of their day meditating or reading their Bible or other religious books.  They seek that peace that comes from listening to their spirits.  They desire to live a full life-one that welcomes whatever each day brings.  Now, I don't mean they welcome illness or tragedy.  They know that these things come into lives unannounced.  When these types of challenges happen, they are surrounded by friends and family who have shared their rich life.  They have experienced their goodness.  They have probably eaten at their table, shared stories, solved problems.

Some who live rich lives become leaders.  Others are content to lead from the back.  Both are needed.  Both fulfill necessary functions.  I am content to put the chairs in a row for a group meeting.  I don't always feel the need to be up front.  There is a sweetness in making things good for others.  In taking care of the grunt work.  In being available for the lowest jobs.  At other times, I enjoy sharing what I have learned or experienced.

A rich life is probably full of people.  Full of laughter, shared tears, shared dreams both fun-filled and broken.  A rich life is grateful and thankful all the time.  It sees that glass as neither half empty or half full, but overflowing.  It experiences joy in seeing children laughing and playing, in observing wildflowers growing along the roadside, in greeting a friend.  It accepts what is while at the same time reaches for that next step.  It does not hold grudges but seeks to make peace.  It doesn't keep score.  There is no joy in that for anyone.

A rich life--beautiful to see, beautiful to experience.  Something to reach for-something to cherish.