I Am Rich

Forgive me for a bit of self-indulgence, but I have been feeling very blessed lately.  I’m certainly not a millionaire, but in terms of what truly matters, I am rich.

I am living in a low-end one-bedroom apartment, but I have everything I need.  I have a comfortable bed, a clean bathroom, a nice little kitchen with a big refrigerator, an internet connection, central heating and cooling, and a small living room in case someone comes to visit (but few do because the apartment still smells of cigarette smoke from the previous occupant). Though meager my U.S. standards, what I have is still far more than what most people in the world have.

I have a small 2004 Toyota Corolla.  Well, it’s not mine; it’s the second car of David and Andrea’s.  But they are letting me use it since David works from home and they say one car is all they need.  I can drive to the store, to the park, or anywhere I have a notion to go.  At the store, since I’m not dieting anymore, I can purchase any food I want.  I’m a cancer patient who is gaining weight!

I am rich because of the ministry heritage I have in the Philippines.  I was so blessed to work with godly Filipino men and woman whose mansions in Heaven will be bigger than mine.  I was fortunate to have a part in seeing hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Filipinos born into God’s kingdom and grow in their relationship with God.

I am rich because of my children.  David and Andrea lead the missions team in their church and also lead a home Bible study group every Thursday.  Sara has become involved in working with the youth in her church.  Hannah and Daniel join a weekly Bible study and attend worship when their work schedule permits.  Also, BIG NEWS, they are expecting their first child in early November.  Martha and Philip are active in their Sunday School class and most of Philip’s work is with our International Mission Board.  Jonathan is still a work in progress.

What really makes me rich are the incredible spiritual blessings I have in Christ Jesus.  “Before the foundation of the world” God chose me.  Through Christ, He pardoned my sins and made me an adopted member of His Kingdom.  He priviledged me with His Holy Spirit through whom I can see and know the things of God.  And because of His Spirit in me, God has prepared a place for me in Heaven, reserved and guaranteed.

I am rich because I have cancer.  Cancer will soon free me from this earthly tent and allow me to enter God’s kingdom where eventually I will receive a new imperishable body, experience a gloriously beautiful world, work creatively to accomplish important tasks, and enjoy living in perfect harmony with all the ‘saints’ who have loved the Lord.  I don’t have to worry about Parkinson’s, Alzheimer, dementia, arthritis, diabetes, or any number of long-term debilitating illnesses.  While I do expect some degree of pain from my cancer (it hasn’t really started yet), it will be nothing compared to the eternal happiness that will be mine once the cancer has run its course.

This month I have read ‘Heaven’ - a comprehensive guide to everything the Bible says about our eternal home, by Randy Alcorn, and ‘Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers’ by Dane Ortland.  Both highly recommended.  Why would I read such books when soon I will know even more when I see the Lord in Heaven?  Because learning more about God is a delight.  Rather than grieving over what I will leave behind, I choose to focus on the many joys soon to come.  When I add all that I have now with all that is soon to come, I am rich!