“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21 NIV)
It was a cloudy, gray morning. I was sitting at my kitchen table eating my oatmeal and sipping my coffee. From the living room I could hear the television news droning on about the latest millionaire to be arrested for financial fraud. I glanced in and saw pictures of his lavish mansion and luxury cars. It made me look around for a moment at my own little home, battered and beaten by rough housing boys, energetic dogs, and my own poor attempts at home repair. I thought too about my tiny, ten year old car sitting in the driveway and lack of any real savings.
I found myself frowning at these thoughts until I heard, “I love you, Daddy!” I turned around and saw my 31 year old son looking at me. Autism had left both him and his brother mentally handicapped, yet his spirit was far wiser and more loving than my own. He leaned his balding head down and I kissed it and told him I loved him too. I heard his brother laughing down the hall and thought what a blessing they had both been to me. I felt a brush against my leg and saw my aged, partially blind dog gazing up at me. I smiled, leaned down, and scratched her ears.
When I stood up again I glanced out the window and saw my beloved daughter in front of her home, walking her dogs as well. I could feel my spirits rising and they soared even higher when the sun suddenly broke through the clouds and a single butterfly floated by the window. I laughed and realized that I truly was the richest person in the world.
Perhaps it is time for our society to redefine what real wealth is. It isn’t fancy cars, money, or mansions. It is the love within us. It is the love we choose, the love we share, and the love we get from Heaven above. God loves us all and God asks us to share that love with the world.
What life could be richer than that? The next time you wonder who the richest person in the world is then, just look in the mirror. Because if you are living with Christ’s love, you are.
By: Joseph J. Mazzella