The other day I wrote to someone that I wished I was rich so I could make a purchase. Silly me! I am ever so rich in so many ways. What I meant and should have said was if I could afford to I would make that purchase. This item isn’t something I want for myself, but rather something I’d like to preserve for my grandchildren. If I was actually wealthy, I’d want to help people in need. I have all I need and so much more. I do wish everyone had all they need. So many don’t.
One of the greatest riches in my life is the support and love I receive. In good times and hard times I know there will be an abundance of love, and physical and emotional support, from my closest family and friends, when needed, as needed. This has been so throughout my entire life. I hope they always feel my love, support, and gratitude. I do wish every being could have such a life experience.
I think wishful thinking has its place, but actions are really what make a difference. I’ve spent much of my life playing and working with children, beginning when I was a child babysitting for younger children. My resume includes being a mom, a nursery school helper, Sunday School teacher, Brownie Scout leader, a child daycare owner, an elementary school teacher of every grade level at some time (PreK-8) and several content areas (math, reading, writing, social studies, science), an elementary school teaching principal, a school volunteer, and a Gramma. Over that time I know that I’ve positively impacted children’s lives. I know they certainly have enriched my life. Just yesterday I had two teens and a preteen spend the day with Gramma. We played board games, cut branches to haul to the goats, and had a spontaneous hairstyling session – all four of us! Another of my greatest riches, playing with children.
I’ve been married seventy-one percent of my life. I went from my parents’ home to the home Dan built for us, the home we live in now (when we aren’t at our Salt Pond camp). During that time we raised two children, numerous pet children (dogs, cats, guinea pigs, gerbils, horse, goats, iguana, fish, hermit crab), and all the while worked (occupation type work that is) to make our life together what we want it to be. Our marriage has not been work. Dr. Phil once said what hard work good marriages were, that marriage doesn’t succeed without hard work. I disagree. I think good marriages, happy marriages simply require attention and time. Time together mixed with love, humor, and a sense of fun and adventure. That doesn’t sound like hard work to me. I believe anyone who experiences a wonderful, lasting marriage has experienced what has to be one of the greatest riches of their life. I know I have. I can’t imagine how anything here on earth could be greater.
Enough musings for today. I just needed to correct or clarify for myself that “wish” comment. I know I don’t have to wish for anything. I have all I need. Finding joy in the everyday every day, that’s me. Everyday things like watching the sun rise.
polepole ~ breathe 