Are you Rich?

What was the first thing you thought of as you read the title? When I entered the word rich in the search box, the first definition to show said having a great deal of money or assets, wealthy.

I consider myself rich, but NOT by worldly standards or by that definition! The richness I feel comes from within. I realize my ramblings are not as often as they once were but that’s not for lack of riding. They are simply because many of my rides have included thoughts and conversations with God that I to this point don’t feel lead to share. What I do want to share with you is richness.

How do you define being rich? My definition of being rich as I said is internal. I’m rich in memories, in contentedness, in meaningful relationships, and in peace thanks to Jesus. As I see others try to fill the emptiness or void they may feel with material things like houses, boats, trips, clothes, anything that brings temporary satisfaction I see more and more what true riches are and to me they cannot be purchased with money. They were already purchased, with the blood of Jesus.

Do you have a best friend and/or soulmate? Then you are rich. How about family that loves you, a roof over your head, and food on your table? Then you are rich. The more things change in this world, the more the things that truly matter stay the same. The only treasures you can take wherever you go are those that are internal. I had a recent conversation with a fellow rider/friend/Christian and as I rode this weekend these things became even more obvious to me after our conversation. I started this rambling a few times previously but didn’t feel lead to share until now. Treisha I dedicate this past weekend’s rides and this rambling to you!

I’ve realized so often while riding the past few months that being rich is also about being able to make new memories. Having been able to ride recently with my hubby, spending quality time with family, spending more time doing things I enjoy like gardening/yardwork and learning new skills have made me feel so incredibly blessed. Hearing my grandchildren call me by the names they use for me (Grandma and Nana) make my heart melt just at the sound. Whether we’re snuggling, playing ball, having tea parties or whatever else it is, those things are more valuable than gold.

You can lose all of your worldly possessions yet still be the richest person in the world if you have Jesus and good memories. Nobody can steal that from you.

As the weather is finally starting to cool down a bit the rides take on new feelings, sights, and smells. The corn fields are being harvested and the remnants are enjoyed by the birds and wildlife. Sunday I saw a beautiful red fox cross the road in front of me as well as a flock of turkeys in one of the freshly cut corn fields. The crispness of the evening air is refreshing to the body and soul as opposed to the oppressive heat of summer. Not only can I hear and see this while riding but in the early morning hours Sunday as I awoke I was able to hear the peaceful hoots of an owl as it was cool enough to sleep with the windows open as well.

Fall is almost here I hope. Soon I’ll be watching the roads for fallen leaves instead of grass clippings. The leaves in the trees will start to turn vibrant colors of red, yellow, and orange and the Fall gardens will be alive with vegetables like greens, broccoli, cabbage and brussel sprouts along with pumpkins and winter squash. I realize those that live in the city or are living in areas where they’re restricted from growing and travelling may not be able to see these things so maybe by reading what I see you can at least envision it. I am truly blessed to live in the country and that too makes me feel rich by my standards as we’re able to raise things to not only supply our needs but to share with others. Richness is not about material things, it’s about things much deeper than that. It’s about doing for others, spending time with those you love, making memories and trusting fully in Jesus. Don’t ever take those things for granted.

Matthew 6:19-20

 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”