As I went online to check my bank account I noticed a debit to Compassion International; it was my monthly contribution for a small boy in the Philippines. His father is a part-time laborer; his mother works in Saudi Arabia. They eke out an existence and my giving helps with his education, clothing and medical care.
It is on a day like this that I realize how fortunate I am. As in the case of many Americans I get caught up in the pressures of life: the economy is not what I want it to be, I worry about my children's future and the future of our nation. I worry about interest rates, inflation, increasing taxation to pay off our government’s excessive borrowing.
A 98-year-old friend of mine once told me that he started every day with what he called an attitude of gratitude. The first thing he did as he got out of bed was looking around him and thank God for all that he had: a loving wife, children, a comfortable home and a business that provided him with the resources he needed to live the life he wanted.
How about you? Think you're having a bad day? Let me share from an August 2nd, 2012 post by author and speaker Michael Hyatt, Titled WHEN YOU REALIZE YOU’RE LIVING IN A BUBBLE.
“On the last day of our trip we visited a small village and met Wosne, a beautiful woman with a tragic story. Her husband had died suddenly, leaving her with four children in a one-room hut.
Without a husband, she had no way to support herself. She grew discouraged and desperate. She prayed God would take her life. Thankfully, God had other plans.
World Vision found sponsors for two of her children. This gave Wosne just enough margin to begin eking out an existence. Over time, she bought some chickens, sold the eggs, and bought more chickens. Eventually, she was able to buy a cow. She sold the milk and bought more cows. Then, with the help of her children’s sponsor, she was able to buy a modest four-room house. It wasn’t much by American standards—just a few walls on a dirt floor with a tin roof.
The day we met Wosne she was radiant. Her children encircled her and quietly sat as we spoke through an interpreter. She shared her story of hardship yet beamed as she recounted God’s provision for her family. She had become so prosperous, in fact, she had adopted two other children in the village. She even had a couple of pieces of used furniture and electricity—a single bulb hanging from the ceiling.
By our standards, she was still living in abject poverty. By the standards of her village, however, she was one of its wealthiest citizens.
Max (Lucado) was so moved by her story—and how much she still lacked—he asked, “Wosne, if you could have anything else, what would it be? How can we help you?”
Her answer stunned us.
“Nothing,” she declared. “Nothing at all. I have everything I need. I am the happiest woman in the world.” And she meant it.”
Look around you – compared to the woman; you, whoever you are – are rich! If you’re having a temporary ‘pity party’ or are bemoaning the unfairness of life; STOP!
Need more money in life? Start a business; I’ll try to help with some tips on a low cost start-up.
Want a brighter future for your kids? A low-cost start-up business can provide resources for now and life skills for the future. Retirement worries? Put your life and business skills to work ‘building’ a secure retirement; don’t wait for the government to do it for you - it’s BROKE!
Take advantage of the opportunities available to you:
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