The Secret to a Rich Life



Today I read this quote, and I thought it would be a great way to end my series on gratefulness.
"In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich." Dietrich Bonhoeffer
It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich... Now that could preach. Especially today after a conversation I had with an old friend about SAT scores and college scholarships. While discussing a mutual friend and how well her daughter had done on the SAT, I exclaimed, "Man, those private schools. Those private school kids are so prepared when they graduate."

Needless to say, my children are in public schools. And on most days that's not a problem at all. I'm actually quite pleased with their schools and teachers. But today, I immediately began wanting what my  friend has: the financial means to send her children to fabulous private schools that work overtime to challenge their students to be excellent. Schools where average is unacceptable. Schools where children are expected to achieve.

But I'm so thankful for my other friend who firmly reminded me that life's not about your SAT scores. That it's not about what college your child attends. That it's not even about having great financial means.

Life is about Christ, and Christ alone. And whether I'm wealthy or poor or somewhere in between, it's still about Him. No matter what schools my children attend or don't attend, it's still about Him. No matter what fortune or misfortune my family experiences, it's still about Him. 

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21

When I get that straight in my head, I can embrace this life that's truly rich for me. I have life, I have Jesus, I have the promise of eternal life with Him. What more can this world offer me that really makes a difference anyway?

It's with this attitude of heart that I leave the Thanksgiving season and enter the celebration of the birth of our Lord. I pray this is the attitude of heart that I abide in throughout the season.

Thanking God for His Riches,

Carla

Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 27, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    This is so timely and right on. Having just visited my sister's new home, the most beautiful house I have ever seen, I am struggling with feelings of inadequacy, jealousy and self doubt. You reminded me that I have been given a new life in my Savior, Jesus Christ and a reason to live that far outstrips material things.

    ReplyDelete
  2. carlaahendricksNovember 27, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    Trust me, Kathleen. God makes me live these blogs before I write them! We're definitely entering the Christmas season with the right perspective of what's most important in life. Thanks for sharing here.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Megan DiMariaNovember 28, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    Great post, Carla! A reality check is always good to have. If we can keep our eyes on Jesus, all the other details seem meaningless. Love that Bonhoeffer quote. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. carlaahendricksNovember 29, 2011 at 10:19 AM

    Thanks Megan! I agree with you on the reality checks. They hurt, but are so necessary. Thanks for reading. Great connecting with you, Sister.

    ReplyDelete

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