True Riches
Rita and I were having one of our frequent conversations and were discussing, among other things, the family finances. We have the usual household financial obligations and sometimes things can get tight.
As we talked, our focus gradually turned from areas of need to the many places where we could see, very plainly, the goodness of God in our lives. (…and even the things that I think are areas of need, upon closer examination I can see that I have much to be thankful for.)
So here is a partial list of the true riches in my life:
Three beautiful, healthy, godly daughters who love me and welcome me into their lives.
A bright, loving son-in-law who takes care to love GOd and to love my daughter well. (He’s handsome too!)
My life’s companion, Rita. She and I have been married for over 27 years and we are closer to each other now than ever. We have grown through the hills and valleys of life and are best friends. We have even learned how to have conflict in our marriage and not see it as the end of the world- no small feat given our family backgrounds!
Songs and music that people all over the world have been encouraged by.
A nice home that resonates with laughter of our family and friends.
Friends from all over the world- from Kuwait to Nigeria, Italy to the Phillipines, Greece to Ukraine, Singapore to Australia.
A loving Father Who is the Creator and King of the universe and loves me unconditionally. He even loves me enough to discipline me and though “no discipline for the present seems joyous, yet the peaceable fruits of righteousness are enjoyed by those who receive the loving discipline of the Father.” (paraphrase mine.)
Yes, in this time where we celebrate the Word was made flesh- I am grateful that Jesus came to the stable of my heart and was born in me- and I reborn in Him!
God Bless you friends!
Merry Christmas
David Baroni