A Rich Life

We all want to lead happy, successful lives. But for parents, there comes a time when your priorities shift, and your most important goals start to involve setting your children up for success and happiness in their own lives.

Of course, parental priorities aren’t the only factor. There are plenty of stories about people who defied the odds and achieved great success despite their parents’ involvement—or even without it. This story, however, gives us something to consider.

There was once a boy who was growing up in a very wealthy family. One day, his father decided to take him on a trip to show him how others lived who were less fortunate. His goal was to help his son appreciate everything he had been given in life.

The boy and his father pulled up to a farm where a very poor family lived. They spent several days there, helping the family work for their food and take care of their land. When they left, the father asked his son if he enjoyed the trip and if he had learned anything.

The boy quickly replied, “It was fantastic! That family is so lucky!”

Confused, his father asked what he meant.

The boy said:

• “Well, we only have one dog, but that family has four—and they even have chickens!
• We have just four people in our home, but they have twelve! So many people to play with!
• We have a pool in our yard, but they have a river that never ends.
• We have lanterns outside so we can see at night, but they have the wide open sky and the stars to light their way.
• We have a patio, but they have the entire horizon to enjoy, with endless fields to run and play in.
• We have to go to the grocery store, but they can grow their own food.
• Our high fence protects us, but they don’t need one—their friends protect them.”

The father was speechless. Finally, the boy added: “Thank you for showing me how rich people live. They’re so lucky.”

The moral of the story is that true wealth and happiness aren’t measured by material possessions. Being with the people you love, enjoying the beauty of nature, and having freedom are far more valuable.

A rich life can mean different things to different people. What are your values and priorities? If you have what matters most to you, you are already wealthy.

What’s the single thing that leads to lasting health and happiness? It’s not wealth, fame, or working harder and harder. The clearest message is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.

If we spend our lives pointing condemning fingers, we’ll never have the chance to extend a helping hand of grace. The person who walks in love carries the greatest influence in the room—regardless of their rank, title, or position.