I Am the Richest Man in the World

"The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege." — Charles Kuralt

I have said it many times before, but it bears repeating: “I am the richest man in the world!”

No, not by the world’s twisted standards, which base wealth on the size on one’s house, bank account, and investment portfolio. All those things are “wood, hay, and stubble” (see I Corinthians 3:11-15) and will someday be passed down to someone else (see Luke 12:16-21)… maybe even Uncle Sam!

Conversely, my riches cannot be found in a vault or on a spreadsheet. My salvation tops the list… and that was a free gift from God Himself (see Ephesians 2:8-9). Next among my “assets” are my bride of 41 years and counting, my three adult children, my three in-law children, and our six precious grandchildren. And yes, my “portfolio” also includes scores of close friends, some of whom I have known and loved for decades.

Last week, Deanna and I hosted our grandkids at our house for a “Game Day & Movie Night Sleepover”. As a former recreation director with a B.S. in Community Recreation, such things are right up my alley. So, I put together a schedule of activities that started with “Puzzle Mania” followed by various board games and a scavenger hunt before we headed to our community pool. The evening ended with popcorn and the movie, The Sheep Detectives.

When we were at the pool, my recreation director instincts took over once again and I led our grandkids in a series of games and contests over the course of two hours. While we were there, a lady who had been lounging by the pool got up to leave. I was concerned that maybe our playfulness had disturbed her peace and quiet, but quite on the contrary.

“You’re a wonderful grandfather,” she said as she passed by me in the deep end of the pool. “Thank you,” I replied. “They are the absolute joys of my life.”

As the old Mastercard commercial used to say, they are also PRICELESS!

“And He said to them, ‘Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’” Luke 12:15 (BSB)

“But Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!’” Acts 3:6 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President